Definition

1. Noun:
   • A woman who supervises and directs a group of workers: A "forewoman" is a female leader or supervisor responsible for overseeing the work and workers in a factory, workshop, construction site, or similar setting.
   • A woman who serves as the presiding member of a jury: In a legal context, a "forewoman" is the female juror elected by the jury to chair their deliberations and speak for them in court, announcing their verdict.

Usage and Examples

• As a supervisor of workers:

  • The forewoman ensured that all safety protocols were followed on the construction site.
  • She was promoted to forewoman after demonstrating excellent leadership skills in the factory.

• As the head of a jury:

  • The forewoman stood and announced the jury's unanimous decision of 'not guilty'.
  • After two days of deliberation, the forewoman read the verdict to a silent courtroom.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• The term "forewoman" is the feminine counterpart to "foreman." In modern contexts, the gender-neutral term "foreperson" is often preferred.
• The role involves significant responsibility, whether in managing a team's productivity and safety or in guiding a jury's discussion and representing its collective decision.

Variants and Related Words

• Foreperson (n): A gender-neutral term for a person who supervises workers or leads a jury.
  • The foreperson called for a vote.
• Foreman (n): The traditional masculine form of the word.
  • The foreman has twenty years of experience.

Synonyms

• Supervisor: A person who oversees the work or activities of others.
• Overseer: Someone who supervises workers, especially in a manual or industrial job.
• Jury Chair / Presiding Juror: Terms describing the leader of a jury.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To serve as forewoman: To act in the capacity of a forewoman.
  • She was honored to serve as forewoman for such an important case.
• Elected forewoman: Chosen by peers to be the leader.
  • After the jury was sequestered, they elected a forewoman.

Noun

1. a woman in charge of a group of workers
2. a woman who is foreperson of a jury