turf

turf
{{11}}turf (n.) O.E. turf, tyrf "slab of soil and grass," also "surface of grassland," from P.Gmc. *turb- (Cf. O.N. torf, Dan. tèrv, O.Fris. turf, O.H.G. zurba, Ger. Torf), from PIE root *drbh- (Cf. Skt. darbhah "tuft of grass"). French tourbe "turf" is a Germanic loan-word. The Old English plural was identical with the singluar, but in Middle English turves sometimes was used. Slang meaning "territory claimed by a gang" is attested from 1953 in Brooklyn, N.Y.; earlier it had a jive talk sense of "the street, the sidewalk" (1930s), which is attested in hobo use from 1899, and before that "the work and venue of a prostitute" (1860). Turf war is recorded from 1962.
{{12}}turf (v.) early 15c., "to cover (ground) with turf," from TURF (Cf. turf) (n.). Related: Turfed; turfing.

Etymology dictionary. 2014.

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  • turf — turf …   Dictionnaire des rimes

  • turf — [ tyrf; tɶrf ] n. m. • 1828; mot angl. « pelouse » → 2. tourbe 1 ♦ Terrain où se disputent les courses de chevaux. ♢ Ce qui concerne les courses de chevaux, leur préparation (entraînement) et les activités qui en dépendent (paris, etc.). ⇒ cheval …   Encyclopédie Universelle

  • Turf — (t[^u]rf), n.; pl. {Turfs}, Obs. {Turves}. [AS. turf; akin to D. turf peat, G. torf, OHG. zurba turf, Sw. & Icel. torf turf, peat, Dan. t[ o]rv, Skr. darbha a kind of grass, a tuft of grass. [root]242.] 1. That upper stratum of earth and… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • turf — TURF, turfuri, s.n. (livr.) Hipodrom; p. ext. cursă de cai. – Din fr. turf. Trimis de ana zecheru, 13.09.2007. Sursa: DEX 98  TURF s. v. hipodrom. Trimis de siveco, 13.09.2007. Sursa: Sinonime  turf s. n …   Dicționar Român

  • turf — UK US /tɜːf/ noun [U] ► an area of activity in which a person or company has a lot of knowledge and experience and which they believe belongs to them: »By launching a line in beauty products they are challenging the bigger company on its own turf …   Financial and business terms

  • Turf — may refer to: * Lawn, an area of grass maintained for decorative or recreational use * Sod, the surface layer of ground consisting of a matt of grass and grass roots, sometimes used as a construction material * Artificial turf, is a man made… …   Wikipedia

  • turf — turf; turf·dom; turf·en; turf·ite; turf·man; As·tro·turf; …   English syllables

  • turf|y — «TUR fee», adjective, turf|i|er, turf|i|est. 1. covered with turf; grassy. 2. like turf. 3. like peat; full of peat …   Useful english dictionary

  • turf — ► NOUN (pl. turfs or turves) 1) grass and the surface layer of earth held together by its roots. 2) a piece of such grass and earth cut from the ground. 3) (the turf) horse racing or racecourses generally. 4) (one s turf) informal one s territory …   English terms dictionary

  • Turf — Turf, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Turfed}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Turfing}.] To cover with turf or sod; as, to turf a bank, of the border of a terrace. A. Tucker. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • turf — (turf) s. m. Lieu où se font les courses de chevaux. Sur le turf. Un habitué du turf. ÉTYMOLOGIE    Angl. turf, champ de gazon …   Dictionnaire de la Langue Française d'Émile Littré

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