Middle English word forestall comes from Old English fore-, Old English steall
| Dictionary entry | Language | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| fore- | Old English (ang) | Before, in front of, pro-. First, prime, occupying a prominent position. Very, supremely, foremost. |
| steall | Old English (ang) | A place for cattle, stall, stable. A position, especially one that is standing; position of affairs, state, condition, standing. Fishing ground, place to catch fish. Place, stead. |
| foresteall | Old English (ang) | (judicial) a hindrance, obstacle. Ambush, assault; an offense of waylaying on the highway or the penalty or fine for such an offense. Intervention. Opposition, resistance. |
| forestall | Middle English (enm) |