[f. FERN sb.1]

1

  1.  trans. To cover with fern.

2

c. 1420.  Pallad. on Husb., I. 337.

        The mapul, ooke and assche endureth longe
In floryng yf thou ferne it welle, er chave.

3

1862.  Macm. Mag., Vi., Sept., 426/1. How was it [island] lichened and mossed, ferned and heathed, fringed with its seaweed, and brought to such a show of verdure and softness that sea-fowl began to scream round it, and preparatory forms of life appeared on it, promising afar off the advent of man?

4

  2.  intr. To feed upon fern. ? Obs.

5

1576.  Turberv., Venerie, 153. When he feedeth on fearne or rootes, then it is called rowting or fearning.

6

1688.  R. Holme, Armoury, II. 135/2. For the Feeding … of … Boar and Swine … be in open Grounds, on Heaths and Fearny Places, they are Fearning.

7