\Turf\ (t[^u]rf), n.; pl. {Turfs}, Obs. {Turves}. [AS.
turf; akin to D. turf peat, G. torf, OHG. zurba turf, Sw. &
Icel. torf turf, peat, Dan. t["o]rv, Skr. darbha a kind of
grass, a tuft of grass. [root]242.]
1. That upper stratum of earth and vegetable mold which is
   filled with the roots of grass and other small plants, so
   as to adhere and form a kind of mat; sward; sod.

         At his head a grass-green turf.       --Shak.

         The Greek historian sets her in the field on a high
         heap of turves.                       --Milton.

2. Peat, especially when prepared for fuel. See {Peat}.

3. Race course; horse racing; -- preceded by the. ``We . . .
   claim the honors of the turf.'' --Cowper.

Note: Turf is often used adjectively, or to form compounds
      which are generally self-explaining; as, turf ashes,
      turf cutter or turf-cutter, turf pit or turf-pit,
      turf-built, turf-clad, turf-covered, etc.

{Turf ant} (Zo["o]l.), a small European ant ({Formica flava})
   which makes small ant-hills on heaths and commons.

{Turf drain}, a drain made with turf or peat.

{Turf hedge}, a hedge or fence formed with turf and plants of
   different kinds.

{Turf house}, a house or shed formed of turf, common in the
   northern parts of Europe.

{Turf moss} a tract of turfy, mossy, or boggy land.

{Turf spade}, a spade for cutting and digging turf, longer
   and narrower than the common spade.

\Turf\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Turfed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Turfing}.]
To cover with turf or sod; as, to turf a bank, of the border
of a terrace. --A. Tucker.