corf

[kawrf]

noun, plural corves

[kawrvz] /kɔrvz/. British.

Mining.
1. a small wagon for carrying coal, ore, etc.
2. a wicker basket formerly used for this purpose.
a basket, cage, or boxlike structure with perforations for keeping lobsters or fish alive in water.

Origin of corf

1350–1400; Middle English < Middle Dutch (cognate with German Korb) < Latin corbis basket; cf. corbeil

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for corf

Historical Examples of corf

No Corf to-day, now, though about only an hours sail from here!
William Sharp (Fiona Macleod)
Elizabeth A. Sharp
While I was loading my corf, he asked me if I should like to have him for a father-in-law.
The Mysteries of London, v. 1/4
George W. M. Reynolds
After much negotiation the start was made from Corf on the eve of Pentecost 1203.
Venice and its Story
Thomas Okey
They reached Corf, hanged Liovecchio and planted a garrison there.
Venice and its Story
Thomas Okey
At Corf a Turkish pacha came on board with his harem, to our lively interest.
Julia Ward Howe
Laura E. Richards

British Dictionary definitions for corf

corf

noun plural corves

British a wagon or basket used formerly in mines

Word Origin for corf

C14: from Middle Dutch corf or Middle Low German korf, probably from Latin corbis basket

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012