FOR'WARDNESS, n.
1. Cheerful readiness; promptness. It expresses more than willingness. We admire the forwardness of christians in propagating the gospel.
2. Eagerness; ardor. It is sometimes difficult to restrain the forwardness of youth.
3. Boldness; confidence; assurance; want of due reserve or modesty.
In France it is usual to bring children into company, and cherish in them, from their infancy, a kind of forwardness and assurance.
4. A state of advance beyond the usual degree; as the forwardness of spring or of corn.
