01 n. One who precedes another in the line of genealogy in any degree, but usually in a remote degree; an ancestor.
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1.
One who precedes another in the line of genealogy in any degree, but usually in a remote degree; an ancestor.“Respecting your forefathers, you would have been taught to respect yourselves.” — Burke.
Phrases & compounds
Forefathers' Day —
the anniversary of the day (December 21) on which the Pilgrim Fathers landed at Plymouth, Massachusetts (1620). On account of a mistake in reckoning the change from Old Style to New Style, it has generally been celebrated on the 22d.