Forest

In English law

A large extent of counti-y, generally waste and woody, belonging to the sovereign, set apart for the keeping of game for his use and diversion, and having certain laws, courts and of Scers of its own; the right or franchise enjoyed by a subject, of having a forest Forest courts: courts instituted for the government of the king's forests in different parts of the kingdom, and for the punishment of all injuries done to the king's deer or venison, to the vert or greensward, and to the covert in which such deer are lodged. Forest law: a system of law anciently established in England, for the government of the royal forests, and administered by courts and officers of its own.