Large areas of land covered with trees and undergrowth, forming complex ecosystems. The plural of forest, referring to multiple wooded areas or woodland systems.
From Old French 'forest,' originally meaning 'open woodland reserved for royal hunting,' from Medieval Latin 'forestis' meaning 'outside' (the normal enclosed farmland). The root 'foris' means 'outdoors' or 'beyond.' The royal hunting preserve sense gradually expanded to mean any large wooded area.
Forests were originally exclusive royal playgrounds - the word literally meant 'outside' the normal world, reserved for kings to hunt deer and wild boar. This explains why Robin Hood stories always take place in forests: they were symbols of royal power where normal laws didn't apply, making them perfect hiding places for outlaws.
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