virgate

1
[ vur-git, -geyt ]
/ ˈvɜr gɪt, -geɪt /

adjective

shaped like a rod or wand; long, slender, and straight.

Origin of virgate

1
1815–25; < Latin virgātus; see virga, -ate1

Definition for virgate (2 of 2)

virgate 2
[ vur-git, -geyt ]
/ ˈvɜr gɪt, -geɪt /

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 of virgate

2
1645–55; < Medieval Latin virgāta ( terrae) measure (of land), feminine of Latin virgātus pertaining to a rod; see virgate1; translation Old English gierd landes yard-measure of land

Example sentences from the Web for virgate

British Dictionary definitions for virgate (1 of 2)

virgate 1
/ (ˈvɜːɡɪt, -ɡeɪt) /

adjective

long, straight, and thin; rod-shaped virgate stems

Word Origin for virgate

C19: from Latin virgātus made of twigs, from virga a rod

British Dictionary definitions for virgate (2 of 2)

virgate 2
/ (ˈvɜːɡɪt, -ɡeɪt) /

noun

British an obsolete measure of land area, usually taken as equivalent to 30 acres

Word Origin for virgate

C17: from Medieval Latin virgāta ( terrae) a rod's measurement (of land), from Latin virga rod; the phrase is a translation of Old English gierd landes a yard of land