Foray definition

Foray

Topics Foray Definition

WordNet

noun

(1) An initial attempt (especially outside your usual areas of competence)

"Scientists' forays into politics"

(2) A sudden short attack

verb

(3) Briefly enter enemy territory

(4) Steal goods; take as spoils

"During the earthquake people looted the stores that were deserted by their owners"

WiktionaryText

Etymology

Scottish back-formation of forreyer, from forrier, from forrer.

Noun

A sudden or irregular incursion in border warfare; hence, any irregular incursion for war or spoils; a raid.
A brief excursion or attempt especially outside one's accustomed sphere.

Verb

To scour (an area or place) for food, treasure, booty etc.
- 1485, Sir Thomas Malory, Le Morte Darthur, Book V:
  
  And thyder shall thou go to forrey that forestes, and with the shall go Sir Gawayne [...].
To pillage; to ravage.

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