Forest

n. [O. Fr. forest, N. Fr. forêt, Pr. forest, foresta, It. foresta, Sp., Pg., & Catalan floresta, L. Lat. forestis, foreste, forestus, forestum, foresta, forastum, forasta, Ger. forst, from Lat. foris, foras, out of doors, abroad, because forests are out of, or beyond, towns.]

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 and privileged 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; a royal hunting-ground. Burrill.