purlieus
9.9
Land at the edge of a royal forest where forest law did not apply
- noun
- /ˈpərlˌyüs/
- Archaic
:
linderos
- Villagers often gathered firewood in the purlieus where royal restrictions did not apply.
Examples
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Historical records describe disputes over the exact location of the purlieus.
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The ancient purlieus of the forest were marked by old stone posts.
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The purlieus of the ancient forest were rich with wildlife.
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The purlieus were once a place for hunting and gathering.
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Villagers often gathered firewood in the purlieus where royal restrictions did not apply.
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The ancient purlieus of the forest were marked by old stone posts.
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Historical records describe disputes over the exact location of the purlieus.
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word purlieus was also used for lands on the edge of a royal forest that were not under forest law, coming from the idea of a 'place around' the forest, which is why purlieus can mean the outskirts or border areas where people could go freely.
