I. ˈvər]gə̇t, ˈvə̄], ˈvəi], ]ˌgāt, usu -d.+V noun
( -s )
Etymology: Medieval Latin virgata, from virga, a land measure, from Latin, rod
: any of various old English units of land area equal to one quarter of a hide or one quarter of an acre
II. adjective
Etymology: New Latin virgatus, from Latin, made of twigs, striped, from virga branch, twig, rod, streak + -atus -ate — more at whisk
1.
a. : having the form of a rod : shaped like a wand
b. : bearing many small twigs
2. : slender and slightly toothed — used of the trophi of various rotifers
III. ]ˌgāt\ intransitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: back-formation from virgation
: to branch in diverging lines