forelock

[ fawr-lok, fohr- ]

/ ˈfɔrˌlɒk, ˈfoʊr- /

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noun

the lock of hair that grows from the fore part of the head.

(of a horse) a tuft of hair above or on the forehead.

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of forelock

1640–50; fore- + lock²; probably not continuous with Old English foreloccas (plural), attested once

Words nearby forelock

forelady, foreland, foreland basin, foreleg, forelimb, forelock, foreman, foremast, foremilk, foremost, foremother

Other definitions for forelock (2 of 2)

forelock²

[ fawr-lok, fohr- ]

/ ˈfɔrˌlɒk, ˈfoʊr- /

noun

a pin or flat wedge passed through a hole near the end of a threadless bolt to fasten parts together.

verb (used with object)

to fasten by means of a forelock.

Origin of forelock

First recorded in 1275–1325, forelock is from the Middle English word forelok.See fore-, lock¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use forelock in a sentence

As such, there seems no compelling reason for supposing that it be listened to in respectful, forelock-tugging silence.
In Praise of Joe Wilson|Alex Massie|September 10, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Wold bowed familiarly, and made some witty remark about taking time by the forelock.
Wild Western Scenes|John Beauchamp Jones
Only, you see, we can't afford to wait till time shows—we must take it by the forelock now, I'm afraid.
The Arbiter|Lady F. E. E. Bell
"I rode that there sorrel once, and combed his forelock with both spurs alternate," Andy lied boldly.
The Happy Family|Bertha Muzzy Bower

The freebooter of the green-pea trade touched his wet forelock respectfully.
Captain Scraggs|Peter B. Kyne
Donald clasped her hand and bowed; Joak made a respectful salute by touching his forelock.
The Viking Blood|Frederick William Wallace

British Dictionary definitions for forelock (1 of 2)

forelock¹

/ (ˈfɔːˌlɒk) /

noun

a lock of hair growing or falling over the forehead

a lock of a horse's mane that grows forwards between the ears

British Dictionary definitions for forelock (2 of 2)

forelock²

/ (ˈfɔːˌlɒk) /

noun

a wedge or peg passed through the tip of a bolt to prevent withdrawal

verb

(tr) to secure (a bolt) by means of a forelock

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012