For"est (?), n. [OF. forest, F. foret, LL. forestis, also, forestus, forestum, foresta, prop., open ground reserved for the chase, fr. L. foris, foras, out of doors, abroad. See Foreign.]
1.
An extensive wood; a large tract of land covered with trees; in the United States, a wood of native growth, or a tract of woodland which has never been cultivated.
2. Eng.Law
A large extent or precinct of country, generally waste and woody, belonging to the sovereign, set apart for the keeping of game for his use, not inclosed, but distinguished by certain limits, and protected by certain laws, courts, and officers of its own.
Burrill.
© Webster 1913.
For"est, a.
Of or pertaining to a forest; sylvan.
Forest fly. Zool. (a) One of numerous species of blood-sucking flies, of the family Tabanidae, which attack both men and beasts. See Horse fly. (b) A fly of the genus Hippobosca, esp. H. equina. See Horse tick. -- Forest glade, a grassy space in a forest. Thomson. -- Forest laws, laws for the protection of game, preservation of timber, etc., in forests. -- Forest tree, a tree of the forest, especially a timber tree, as distinguished from a fruit tree.
© Webster 1913.
For"est, v. t.
To cover with trees or wood.
© Webster 1913.