A cleared space in the woods.
1817. I could judge of the extent of the “clearing” if I saw the people.—M. Birkbeck, ‘Journey in America,’ p. 140 (Phila.).
1820. Immediately below us is a clearing which seems to have been made some years ago, and near it another of more recent origin.—James Hall, ‘Letters from the West,’ p. 191 (Lond.). (Italics in the original.)
1823. J. F. Cooper. (N.E.D.)
1834. Situated in a small clearing, immediately on the road, appeared a large rude double logged cabin, with a Buck’s Horn nailed over the door, which means, in the west, entertainment for man and horse.—Knick. Mag., iii. 32 (Jan.).
1835. The streets [in New York, on “moving day”] looked like a clearing, in my part of the world, as they were emptying and burning the straw out of their beds.—‘Col. Crockett’s Tour,’ p. 48 (Phila.). (Italics in the original.)
