What does "forelock" mean?

Forelock: (Mech.) A cotter or split pin, as in a slot in a bolt, to prevent retraction; a linchpin; a pin fastening the cap-square of a gun. Forelock bolt, a bolt retained by a key, gib, or cotter passing through a slot. -- Forelock hook (Rope Making), a winch or whirl by which a bunch of three yarns is twisted into a standard. Knight. -- To take time, or occasion, by the forelock, to make prompt use of anything; not to let slip an opportunity. Time is painted with a lock before and bald behind, signifying thereby that we must take time by the forelock; for when it is once past, there is no recalling it. Swift. On occasion's forelock watchful wait. Milton.