- ford (n.)
- O.E. ford, from P.Gmc. *furdhus (cf. O.Fris. forda, O.H.G. furt, Ger. Furt "ford"), from PIE *prtus (cf. L. portus "harbor," originally "entrance, passage;" O.Welsh rit, Welsh rhyd "ford;" O.E. faran "to go;" see port (1)). The verb is attested from 1610s. Related: Forded; fording. The line of automobiles is named for U.S. manufacturer Henry Ford (1863-1947).