The usage of the word forward or the short term: FORE is used
for orientational reference in nautical vessels, aviation aircraft and space
vehicles. It is traditionally used with other spatial reference terms: Aft or
Stern, Port, Starboard
According to the Oxford English Dictionary: Forward or fore,
in naval terminology, is an adjective or adverb meaning "towards the bow
(front) of the ship", when the frame of reference is within the ship.
Example: "Able Seaman Smith; lay fore!". Or: "What's happening
fore?"
The corresponding adjective, in distinguishing one feature of
the vessel from another, is before. See the caption to the right. Its antonym
is aft. The corresponding preposition is abforward. For example, the mizzenmast
is abaft the mainmast. Its antonym is after or, in a more clumsy form, aft of.
Forward also describes the direction of movement within an
aircraft; that is, towards the front. Example: "Let's go forward". It
may also describe the front location or region within an aircraft cabin.
Example: "Forward lavatory".
