adv. (and a.) [f. FORWARD with advb. genitive -s; see -WARDS.]
A. adv. = FORWARD adv. in its various senses.
The present distinction in usage between forward and forwards is that the latter expresses a definite direction viewed in contrast with other directions. In some contexts either form may be used without perceptible difference of meaning; the following are examples in which only one of them can now be used: ‘The ratchet-wheel can move only forwards’; ‘the right side of the paper has the maker’s name reading forwards’; ‘if you move at all it must be forwards’; ‘my companion has gone forward’; ‘to bring a matter forward’; ‘from this time forward.’ The usage of earlier periods, and of modern dialects, varies greatly from that of mod. standard English. In U.S. forward is now generally used, to the exclusion of forwards, which was stigmatized by Webster (1832) as ‘a corruption.’
c. 1400. Maundev. (1839), v. 61. Fro this forewardes nevere entred such Filthe.
1470–85. Malory, Arthur, I. vii. And sire Brastias was maade wardeyn to wayte vpon the northe fro Trent forwardes.
1489. Caxton, Faytes of A., I. ix. 24. To marche forwardis a quantite of paaces for to teche hem to kepe hem self clos togidre in gode ordenaunce without gooyng out or from the rowte of theyre bataille.
1551. T. Wilson, Logike (1580), 10. They wyll stretche to attayne that, wherunto they are apt, and with good endeuour, fillip nature forewardes.
1560–78. Bk. Discipl. Ch. Scot. (1621), 47. We leave it with the rest of the commodities to be weighed by your honours wisdome, and set forwards by your authority to the most high advancement of this Common-wealth committed to your charge.
1691. T. H[ale], Acc. New Invent., 122. Observed when the Ship swims upon an uneven and unlevel Keel drooping forwards, or sending aft.
1703. Moxon, Mech. Exerc., 17. When you thrust your File forwards lean heavy upon on it, because the Teeth of the File are made to cut forwards; but when you draw your File back, to recover an other thrust, lift, or bear the File lightly just above the work; for it cuts not coming back.
1785. Paley, Mor. Philos. (1818), II. 283. When we carry forwards therefore our views to the more distant, but not less certain consequences of these crimes, we perceive that, though no living creature be destroyed by them, yet human life is diminished.
1809. Pinkney, Travels through the South of France, 57. If he can come forwards, and prove, in a court established for the purpose, that he has merely been absent; that his absence was not without sufficient reasons; that he has not taken up arms against France.
1844. Dickens, Mart. Chuz., xxxiii. He was backwards and forwards constantly.
1885. Manch. Exam., 16 May, 5/1. Policemen … have to carry him backwards and forwards between the police station and the workhouse.
† B. adj. = FORWARD a. Obs. rare.
1598. Grenewey, Tacitus’ Ann., III. x. (1622), 78. A valiant warriour; and forwards in all his charges.
1625. Bacon, Ess., Travaile (Arb.), 524. In his Discourse, let him be rather aduised in his Answers, then forwards to tell Stories. Ibid. (1626), Sylva, § 422. Quære, if Laying of Straw some Height about the Bodie of a Tree, will not make the Tree forwards.
