virgate

¹ American  

[vur-git, -geyt] / ˈvɜr gɪt, -geɪt /

adjective

1. shaped like a rod or wand; long, slender, and straight.

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virgate ² American  

[vur-git, -geyt] / ˈvɜr gɪt, -geɪt /

noun

1. an early English measure of land of varying extent, usually considered equivalent to a quarter of a hide, or about 30 acres (12 hectares).

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virgate ¹ British  

/ ˈvɜːɡɪt, -ɡeɪt /

adjective

1. long, straight, and thin; rod-shaped

   virgate stems

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virgate ² British  

/ ˈvɜːɡɪt, -ɡeɪt /

noun

1. an obsolete measure of land area, usually taken as equivalent to 30 acres

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Etymology

Origin of virgate¹

1815–25; < Latin virgātus; see virga, -ate ¹

Origin of virgate²

1645–55; < Medieval Latin virgāta ( terrae ) measure (of land), feminine of Latin virgātus pertaining to a rod; see virgate ¹; translation Old English gierd landes yard-measure of land

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

virgate

When he farmed the Domerham manor he left on his own authority the virgate in Stapelham and took169 half a virgate in Domerham, as it was nearer.

From Villainage in England Essays in English Mediaeval History by Paul Vinogradoff

Anderd Budde holds half a virgate of demesne land, from the time of Bishop Henry, by the same services as all who hold so much.

From Villainage in England Essays in English Mediaeval History by Paul Vinogradoff

Two peasants on the same virgate are found constantly.

From Villainage in England Essays in English Mediaeval History by Paul Vinogradoff

Let us take the following case as an instance: John Clerk had in the time of Bishop Henry one virgate in Domerham and holds it now, and another virgate in Stapelham for ten shillings.

From Villainage in England Essays in English Mediaeval History by Paul Vinogradoff

It is only inaccurately that we have been speaking of a virgate of 30 acres, and of a ploughland of 180 or 160.

From Villainage in England Essays in English Mediaeval History by Paul Vinogradoff