forestall

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

1.To take beforehand, or in advance; to anticipate. [1913 Webster]

What need a man forestall his date of grief, And run to meet what he would most avoid?— Milton.[1913 Webster]

2.To take possession of, in advance of some one or something else, to the exclusion or detriment of the latter; to get ahead of; to preoccupy; also, to exclude, hinder, or prevent, by prior occupation, or by measures taken in advance. [1913 Webster]

An ugly serpent which forestalled their way.— Fairfax.[1913 Webster]

But evermore those damsels did forestall Their furious encounter.— Spenser.[1913 Webster]

To be forestalled ere we come to fall.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

Habit is a forestalled and obstinate judge.— Rush.[1913 Webster]

3.To deprive; -- with of. [R.] [1913 Webster]

All the better; may This night forestall him of the coming day!— Shak.[1913 Webster]

4.(Eng. Law) To obstruct or stop up, as a way; to stop the passage of on highway; to intercept on the road, as goods on the way to market. [1913 Webster]

To forestall the market, to buy or contract for merchandise or provision on its way to market, with the intention of selling it again at a higher price; to dissuade persons from bringing their goods or provisions there; or to persuade them to enhance the price when there. This was an offense at law in England until 1844. --Burrill.

Syn: To anticipate; monopolize; engross. [1913 Webster]