The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Fore \Fore\, n.
The front; hence, that which is in front; the future.
[1913 Webster]
At the fore (Naut.), at the fore royal masthead; -- said of
a flag, so raised as a signal for sailing, etc.
To the fore.
(a) In advance; to the front; to a prominent position; in
plain sight; in readiness for use.
(b) In existence; alive; not worn out, lost, or spent, as
money, etc. [Irish] "While I am to the fore." --W.
Collins. "How many captains in the regiment had two
thousand pounds to the fore?" --Thackeray.
[1913 Webster]