croft etymology

Croft Etymology and Meaning

Origin: Old English

Meaning: A small enclosed field or piece of arable land

Historical Development

The word "croft" has its origins in the Old English word "croft," which meant "a small enclosed piece of land," particularly one used for cultivation. The term was initially used to refer to land associated with a peasant's cottage. Over time, its meaning expanded to encompass any small field or parcel of arable land, regardless of its association with a specific dwelling.

Usage in Modern English

In modern English, "croft" is primarily used in rural contexts to denote a small enclosed field, often one used for growing crops. It can also refer to a small farm or holding, especially one that has been sub-divided from a larger estate.

Related Terms

• Cottage: A small, rural dwelling, often associated with a croft.
• Crofter: A person who farms or tends a croft.
• Croftland: Land that is specifically used for crofting.
• Infield: The enclosed fields closest to a homestead or village, typically used for growing crops.
• Outfield: The unenclosed fields further from a homestead or village, often used for grazing livestock.

croft relate terms

• toft

  Etymology The word toft comes from the Old English word toft which is derived from

• croft

  Croft Etymology and Meaning Origin Old English Meaning A small enclosed field or piece

• undercroft

  Etymology The word undercroft is derived from two Old English words Under meaning

• under

  Etymology Meaning Origin Etymology refers to the study of the history and origin of wor

• croft

  Croft Etymology and Meaning Origin Old English Meaning A small enclosed field or piece

• farm

  Etymology The word farm originates from the Old English word feorm which referred t

• suffer

  Etymology Old French sofrir Latin sufferre Proto Indo European kwe bher kwe bhr i

• cowboy

  Etymology The word cowboy is derived from the Spanish word vaquero which means cow

• Christ

  Etymology The name Christ comes from the Greek word Χριστός Christós which i

• shadow

  Etymology Old English sceadu from Proto Germanic skadwa meaning darkness shade

• style

  Etymology The word style originated from the Latin word stilus which means a pointe

• medicine

  Etymology The word medicine originates from the Latin word medicina which in turn i

• muster

  Etymology and Origin The word muster has its origins in the Old French word monstre

• bias

  Etymology Origin Middle English bias from Old French bias from Late Latin biāc