n. & v.
n. 1 a (often attrib.) a large area covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth. b the trees growing in it. c a large number or dense mass of vertical objects (a forest of masts). 2 a district formerly a forest but now cultivated (Sherwood Forest). 3 hist. an area usu. owned by the sovereign and kept for hunting.
v.tr. 1 plant with trees. 2 convert into a forest. forest-tree a large tree suitable for a forest.
[ ME f. OF f. LL forestis silva wood outside the walls of a park f. L foris outside ]