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.