forelay

verb

forelaid; forelaid; forelaying; forelays

transitive verb

1
now chiefly dialectal : to lie in wait for : ambush, waylay
2
archaic : hinder, obstruct
3
dialectal : to plan on : intend

intransitive verb

dialectal : to make arrangements beforehand

Word History

Etymology

fore- + lay

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near forelay

Cite this Entry

“Forelay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forelay. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!