n. & v.
n. (pl. turfs or turves) 1 a a layer of grass etc. with earth and matted roots as the surface of grassland. b a piece of this cut from the ground. 2 a slab of peat for fuel. 3 (prec. by the) a horse-racing generally. b a general term for racecourses.
v.tr. 1 cover (ground) with turf. 2 (foll. by out) esp. Brit. colloq. expel or eject (a person or thing). turf accountant Brit. a bookmaker.
[ OE f. Gmc ]