“Drift of the forest is nothing else but an exact view or examination taken once, twice, or oftener in a year as occasion shall require, what beasts there are in the forest, to the end that the common in the forest be not overcharged, that the beasts of foreigners that have no common there be not permitted, and that beasts not commonable may be put out.” Termes de la Ley 185–87 (1st Am. ed. 1812).
drift of the forest
drift of the forest. Hist. A periodic examination of forest cattle by officers who drive them to an enclosed place to determine their ownership or common status.