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n. pl. turfs also turves (tûrvz) 1. a. A surface layer of earth containing a dense growth of grass and its matted roots; sod. b. An artificial substitute for such a grassy layer, as on a playing field. 2. A piece cut from a layer of earth or sod. 3. A piece of peat that is burned for use as fuel. 4. Informal a. The range of the authority or influence of a person, group, or thing; a bailiwick: "a bureaucracy ... concerned with turf, promotions, the budget, and protecting the retirement system" (Harper's). See Synonyms at field. b. A geographical area; a territory. c. The area claimed by a gang, as of youths, as its personal territory. 5. Sports a. A racetrack. b. The sport or business of racing horses. tr.v. turfed, turf·ing, turfs 1. To spread with turf: turfed the front yard. 2. Chiefly British Slang To throw out, as from a place or position; eject: "when Adam and Eve got turfed out of Eden" (Malachy McCourt). [Middle English, from Old English.] turfy adj. |
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