fore
fa
ther
Plural
forefathers
1
an ancestor from previous generations, especially further back than one's grandfather
- Thomas proudly traced his family's lineage back to his noble forefathers who had founded the estate centuries ago.
- The dynasty's power emanated from the mandate said to be received by the first forefather many generations past.
- Scholars researched the medical conditions of Jane's forefathers to better understand her genetic predispositions.
2
person from an earlier time who contributed to the tradition shared by some group