forby preposition & adverb. [fǝ'bʌɪ, fɔ:'bʌɪ] Now chiefly Scot. & dial. Also forbye. ME.
[from FOR-³ + BY preposition, adverb. Cf. German vorbei.]
A. preposition.
1. Of motion: past, close by. ME.
■ Spenser A goodly Lady did foreby them rush.
b. Of position: hard by, near. L16.

2. In preference to, before, beyond. Only in ME.

3. Beside, in comparison with. ME.

4. Besides, not to mention. M16.
■ S. R. Crockett No doubt he had many a sin on his soul, forbye murder.

5. Through the means of, by. rare (Spenser). Only in L16.
b. adverb.
1. Aside; nearby. ME.
■ P. Buchan The blacksmith stood a little forby, wi' hammer in his hand.
b. Of motion or time: along, past. ME.
■ W. Story That time has been long forby.

2. Besides, in addition. L16.
■ Sir W. Scott But..there was another reason forby.
■ I. Banks There's plenty of bread..and plenty of soup forbye, if you get hungry again.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲