Fore"lock` (?), n.

1.

The lock of hair that grows from the forepart of the head.

2. Mech.

A cotter or split pin, as in a slot in a bolt, to prevent retraction; a linchpin; a pin fastening the cap-square of a gun.

Forelock bolt, a bolt retained by a key, gib, or cotter passing through a slot. -- Forelock hook Rope Making, a winch or whirl by which a bunch of three yarns is twisted into a standard. Knight. -- To take time, ∨ occasion, by the forelock, to make prompt use of anything; not to let slip an opportunity.

Time is painted with a lock before and bald behind, signifying thereby that we must take time by the forelock; for when it is once past, there is no recalling it. Swift.

On occasion's forelock watchful wait. Milton.

 

© Webster 1913.

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