early 13c., "a leader," from fore- + man (n.). From 1530s as "principal juror;" 1570s in the sense of "principal workman." Similar formation in Dutch voorman, German Vormann, Danish formand. Also in 17c., a slang word for "penis." Fem. form forewoman is from 1709, originally of a jury; forelady is from 1867 in reference to juries, 1888 of shops, American English.
if you want to leave early you have to ask the foreman
foreign
foreigner
foreknowledge
foreleg
forelock
foreman
foremast
fore-mentioned
foremost
forename
forenoon
