Forage
/ˈfɔːr.ɪdʒ/noun
To search widely for food or provisions, especially by animals or troops.
Did you know?Forage entered English through French military life, where it referred to food for animals and troops, showing how words for survival often come from war logistics rather than peaceful gardens.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pa-
“to feed, protect, or tend”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*fōdjaną
“to feed”
Late Latin
Latin
fodrum
“fodder, provender for animals”
Old French
Old French
forage
“fodder; provision for animals or troops”
Middle English
English
forage
“fodder; the act of seeking food”
Modern English
English
forage
“to search around for food or provisions”