To promise, be expected, be likely in due course (to become something). See apparent, adj. 5.

The quality in an argument, course of action, etc., of seeming attractive or plausible and thus carrying weight; spec. superficial plausibility…

To form or hold an idea in the mind with a view to action, to conceive or entertain the notion of… intransitive. With of and gerund or verbal noun.

With gerund, verbal noun, or noun: to give promise or indication of, show a likelihood of.

to put fair: = to bid fair at bid, v.1 4. Obsolete.

In the past participle. Almost or nearly to have done or been; to have come close to. With reference… had liked to. Cf. had like to at like, adj.…

intransitive. Originally English regional. To give promise of, portend, show a likelihood of (what is specified); = look, v. phrases 2a(b)…

To seem likely, bid fair. dialect. (With infinitive it is often little more than a periphrasis for the finite vb.)

intransitive. Of a fact, state of affairs, etc.: to be apparent or evident from observable features or characteristics. Esp. with it as subject…