n. (pl. -ies) 1 the extent of the land under the jurisdiction of a ruler, State, city, etc. 2 (Territory) an organized division of a country, esp. one not yet admitted to the full rights of a State. 3 a sphere of action or thought; a province. 4 the area over which a commercial traveller or goods-distributor operates. 5 Zool. an area defended by an animal or animals against others of the same species. 6 an area defended by a team or player in a game. 7 a large tract of land.
[ ME f. L territorium f. terra land ]