forelock Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a lock of hair growing (or falling) over the forehead
  2. noun a lock of a horse's mane that grows forward between the ears
    foretop.

WordNet

Fore"lock` noun
Definitions
  1. The lock of hair that grows from the forepart of the head.
  2. (Mech.) A cotter or split pin, as in a slot in a bolt, to prevent retraction; a linchpin; a pin fastening the cap-square of a gun.
    Time is painted with a lock before and bald behind, signifying thereby that we must take time by the forelock; for when it is once past, there is no recalling it. Swift.
    On occasion's forelock watchful wait. Milton.

Webster 1913