Pronunciation: [fˈɔːnd] (IPA) 
The term "forend" is typically used to refer to the front part of a firearm, serving as a grip for the user's supporting hand. The IPA phonetic transcription for "forend" is /ˈfɔːrˌɛnd/. The first syllable, "for," is pronounced with the same sound as the word "four," while the second syllable, "end," is pronounced with a short "e" sound, as in the word "bed." The spelling of "forend" accurately reflects its pronunciation in English.
The term "forend" is commonly used to refer to different parts in various fields, including firearms and wooden instruments such as guitars. In the context of firearms, the forend refers to the forward part of a gun's stock that surrounds the barrel. Typically, this section is located below the barrel and is designed to be gripped by the user's non-firing hand. The forend provides stability and control while aiming and firing the firearm. It can be made of various materials such as wood, composite materials, or synthetic materials, depending on the type and purpose of the gun.
When it comes to musical instruments like guitars, the forend represents the upper portion of the instrument's body. This section is situated below the guitar's soundhole and is where the strings are attached and supported by the bridge. The forend plays a significant role in transmitting vibrations from the strings to the soundboard, contributing to the amplification and tonal characteristics of the instrument.
In summary, the term "forend" refers to the front portion of an object, typically seen in firearms as the forward part of the stock that surrounds the barrel, providing grip and stability, while in wooden instruments like guitars, it represents the upper portion of the body where the strings are attached and supported by the bridge, contributing to the transmission of vibrations and sound production.
The word "forend" is derived from the combination of two words: "fore" and "end".
The word "fore" comes from Old English "fore", which means "in front of" or "before". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "fura", meaning "before" or "in front". This ultimately has its roots in the Proto-Indo-European base "per", which carries the sense of "forward".
The word "end" comes from Old English "end", which means "the extremity of anything". It is akin to the Old Norse "enni" and the Gothic "andei", both of which indicate "end" or "point".
Combining these two words, "forend" refers to the front or forward part of something.
