— turfless , adj. — turflike , adj.
/terrf/ , n. , pl. turfs , ( esp. Brit. ) turves; v.
n.
1. a layer of matted earth formed by grass and plant roots.
2. peat, esp. as material for fuel.
3. a block or piece of peat dug for fuel.
4. Slang.
a. the neighborhood over which a street gang asserts its authority.
b. a familiar area, as of residence or expertise: Denver is her turf. When you talk literature you're getting into my turf.
5. Chiefly Brit. a piece cut or torn from the surface of grassland; sod.
6. the turf ,
a. the track over which horse races are run.
b. the practice or sport of racing horses.
v.t.
7. to cover with turf or sod.
8. Brit. Slang. to remove from a desirable office or position; expel; kick out: He was turfed from leadership of the group.
[ bef. 900; 1930-35 for def. 5; ME, OE, c. D turf, G Torf ( torf, akin to Skt darbha tuft of grass. See TURBARY ]