virgate

¹ American  

[vur-git, -geyt] / ˈvɜr gɪt, -geɪt /

adjective

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

---

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).

---

virgate ¹ British  

/ -ɡeɪt, ˈvɜːɡɪt /

adjective

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

   virgate stems

---

virgate ² British  

/ -ɡeɪt, ˈvɜːɡɪt /

noun

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

---

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

Two peasants on the same virgate are found constantly.

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

P. convex then exp. very irreg. rather viscid, fibrillosely virgate, pale, tinged tawny rufous; g. white then reddish or spotted; s. equal, curved, white, apex flocculose.

From European Fungus Flora: Agaricaceae by Massee, George

Fuerunt eciam duo liberi tenentes in parva Sokemanria, qui tenuerunt hereditarie duo mesuagia et medietatem unius virgate terre cum pratio et pertinenciis de Rege in capite.

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

In practice the subdivision was certainly checked, as in the virgate system, by the necessity of keeping together the cattle necessary for the tillage.

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

We find six free tenants with a virgate apiece, one with half a virgate, three with a virgate and a half, and three jointly possessed of two virgates.

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