Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Nearby Words

virgate

 - 4 dictionary results

vir⋅gate

1  [vur-git, -geyt]
Use virgate in a Sentence
–adjective
shaped like a rod or wand; long, slender, and straight.
Origin:
1815–25; < L virgātus; see virga, -ate 1

vir⋅gate

2  [vur-git, -geyt]
–noun
an early English measure of land of varying extent, usually considered equivalent to a quarter of a hide, or about 30 acres (12 hectares).
Also called yardland.

Origin:
1645–55; < ML virgāta (terrae) measure (of land), fem. of L virgātus pertaining to a rod; see virgate 1 ; trans. OE gierd landes yard-measure of land
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To virgate
vir·gate 1   (vûr'gāt')   
adj.  Shaped like a wand or rod; straight, long, and slender.

[Latin virgātus, made of twigs, from virga, twig.]
vir·gate 2   (vûr'gĭt)   
n.  An early English measure of land area of varying value, often equal to about 30 acres (12 hectares).

[Medieval Latin virgāta, from feminine of Latin virgātus, relating to a rod; see virgate1.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see virgate on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way