FOREST. By the English law, a forest is a circuit of ground properly under 
the king's protection, for the peaceable living and abiding of beasts of 
hunting and the chase, and distinguished not only by having bounds and 
privileges, but also by having courts and offices. 12 do. 22. The 
signification of forest in the United States is the popular one of an 
extensive piece of woodland. Vide Purlieu.