The phrase "be foretime" is an archaic and uncommon way of referring to the past or former times. However, there are numerous synonyms that can be used in place of this phrase. Some common alternatives for "be foretime" include "formerly", "previously", "in the past", "once", "before", "earlier", "prior to", and "in former days". These synonyms are more modern and widely used in everyday language, making them more accessible and easy to understand for readers. Choosing the right synonym for "be foretime" will depend on the context and intended tone of the writing.