To refrain from proceeding; to pause; to delay.

not do something; "He refrained from hitting him back"; "she could not forbear weeping"

An ancestor; a forefather; -- usually in the plural.

To keep away from; to avoid; to abstain from; to give up; as, to forbear the use of a word of doubtful propriety.

To treat with consideration or indulgence.

To control one's self when provoked.

To cease from bearing.

To refuse; to decline; to give no heed.

a person from whom you are descended