[a. OF. essart-er: see ASSART v.] trans. = ASSART v.; also absol.

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1721.  Bailey, Essart, to extirpate or clear the ground of shrubs.

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1839.  Stonehouse, Axholme, 10. The process of essarting.

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1857.  Sir F. Palgrave, Norm. & Eng., II. 435. The Forêt de Bichoul, of which the greater portions have long since been essarted.

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