forewit

== English == === Alternative forms === fore-wit === Pronunciation === Rhymes: -ɪt === Etymology 1 === From Middle English forwit, from Old English *forewit, *forewitt (attested in derivative forewitiġ, forewittiġ (“foreknowing”)), equivalent to fore- +‎ wit (“knowledge, understanding”). ==== Noun ==== forewit (countable and uncountable, plural forewits) Timely knowledge; precaution; foresight. One good forewit is worth two afterwits. ===== Antonyms ===== afterwit === Etymology 2 === From Middle English forwiten, from Old English fōrewitan (“to foreknow”), equivalent to fore- +‎ wit (“to know”). ==== Verb ==== forewit (third-person singular simple present forewot, present participle forewitting, simple past and past participle forewist) (transitive, obsolete) To foreknow. === Etymology 3 === From fore- (“prominent, out in front”) +‎ wit (“a clever man”). ==== Noun ==== forewit (plural forewits) One who puts himself forward as a leader in matters of taste or criticism.