for´est|less

for|est «FR ihst, FOR-», noun, adjective, verb.

–n.

1. a) a large area of land covered with trees; thick woods; woodland: »

We wandered in the forest looking at its mighty trees.…primeval forests undefaced by the hand of man (Charles Darwin).

b) the trees themselves: »

an oak forest, a pine forest.

2. Figurative. a thick mass of anything: »

A forest of supporting posts and pillars was put in beneath the house (New Yorker). Stretford is…a Manchester suburb with forests of semidetached houses (Manchester Guardian Weekly).

3. (in English law) a tract of woods and pasture, usually owned by the Crown, and set apart for game.

–adj.

of a forest; in a forest: »

Help prevent forest fires. It will be found that all forest and game laws were introduced into Europe at the same time and by the same policy as gave birth to the feudal system (William Blackstone).

–v.t.

to plant with trees; change into a forest: »

The farmer forested the old pasture with pine trees.

╂[< Old French forest < Late Latin forestis (silva) outer woods < Latin forīs outside < foris door]

–for´est|less, adjective.