For·bear·ing, a. Disposed or accustomed to forbear; patient; long-suffering. -- For*bear*ing*ly, adv.
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  For·bear v. i. [imp. Forbore (Forbare [Obs.]); p. p. Forborne p. pr. & vb. n. Forbearing.]
  1. To refrain from proceeding; to pause; to delay.
     Shall I go against Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear?   --1 Kings xxii. 6.
  2. To refuse; to decline; to give no heed.
     Thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.   --Ezek. ii. 7.
  3. To control one's self when provoked.
  The kindest and the happiest pair
  Will find occasion to forbear.   --Cowper.
     Both bear and forbear.   --Old Proverb.
  forbearing
       adj : showing patient and unruffled self-control and restraint
             under adversity; slow to retaliate or express
             resentment; "seemly and forbearing...yet strong enough
             to resist aggression"; "was longanimous in the face of
             suffering" [syn: longanimous]