Turf \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 vegetable mold which is
filled with the roots of grass and other small plants, so
as to adhere and form a kind of mat; sward; sod.
At his head a grass-green turf. --Shak.
The Greek historian sets her in the field on a high
heap of turves. --Milton.
2. Peat, especially when prepared for fuel. See Peat.
3. Race course; horse racing; -- preceded by the. ``We . . .
claim the honors of the turf.'' --Cowper.
Note: Turf is often used adjectively, or to form compounds
which are generally self-explaining; as, turf ashes,
turf cutter or turf-cutter, turf pit or turf-pit,
turf-built, turf-clad, turf-covered, etc.
Turf ant (Zo["o]l.), a small European ant (Formica flava)
which makes small ant-hills on heaths and commons.
Turf drain, a drain made with turf or peat.
Turf hedge, a hedge or fence formed with turf and plants of
different kinds.
Turf house, a house or shed formed of turf, common in the
northern parts of Europe.
Turf moss a tract of turfy, mossy, or boggy land.
Turf spade, a spade for cutting and digging turf, longer
and narrower than the common spade.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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