SuaviloquyToday’s word

foregoing

Forego, v. t. [imp. Forewent 2; p. p. Foregone; p. pr. & vb. n. Foregoing.] — Webster enters it under “forego”

Etymology: [See Forgo.]

1. To quit; to relinquish; to leave. Stay at the third cup, or forego the place. Herbert.

2. To relinquish the enjoyment or advantage of; to give up; to resign; to renounce; -- said of a thing already enjoyed, or of one within reach, or anticipated. All my patrimony,, If need be, I am ready to forego. Milton. Thy lovers must their promised heaven forego. Keble. [He] never forewent an opportunity of honest profit. R. L. Stevenson.

Note: Forgo is the better spelling etymologically, but the word has been confused with Forego, to go before.

1 other Webster entry under this spelling

Forego, v. t.

To go before; to precede; -- used especially in the present and past participles. Pleasing remembrance of a thought foregone. Wordsworth. For which the very mother's face forewent The mother's special patience. Mrs. Browning. Foregone conclusion, one which has preceded argument or examination; one predetermined.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for foregoing; he lists it under previous.

Where he writes about it:

Foregoing is used only of that which is spoken or written; as, the foregoing statements. — from previous