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Virgate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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virgate

[หˆvษ™หษกeษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

measurement

Relating to an area of land measuring one virgate or about 30 acres.

Synonyms

acreage, land area.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
virgate

This appears to be a repetition and should be used similarly as previously described.

  • The farm was considered a virgate during medieval times.
  • In historical documents, a virgate was often mentioned as a unit for tax purposes.
acreage

Commonly used in modern contexts to describe the amount of land measured in acres. It is best used when discussing property size in real estate, agriculture, or environmental studies.

  • The farm had an acreage of 150 acres.
  • They calculated the acreage to determine how much land they would need for the new project.
land area

A broad term used in various contexts, from real estate to geography, to define the size of a piece of land regardless of the unit of measurement used. It can be employed in both casual and formal discussions.

  • The land area of the property is significant for zoning purposes.
  • Scientists measured the land area to study the impact of deforestation.

Examples of usage

  • The virgate plot of land was just the right size for the new farm.
  • The virgate measurement was commonly used in medieval England.
Context #2 | Noun

history

A unit of land measurement in medieval England, equivalent to about 30 acres.

Synonyms

30 acres, land measurement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
virgate

This word is primarily used in historical contexts, especially when discussing land measurement in medieval England. A virgate was a unit of land measurement often used in manorial records and historical texts.

  • In the 13th century, a virgate was typically considered enough land to support one household
30 acres

This is used in contemporary contexts when referring to a specific amount of land, usually focusing on more practical aspects like farming, real estate, or land development. It's a straightforward term that specifies land size.

  • The farmer owns 30 acres of fertile land which he uses to grow various crops
land measurement

This phrase is used in general discussions about the sizes of pieces of land, applicable in both historical and modern contexts. It covers a broader area and can refer to different units of measurement.

  • Land measurement in different countries can vary significantly based on the units they use, such as acres, hectares, or square meters

Examples of usage

  • The peasants were often granted a virgate of land to work on.
  • The virgate was used as a basis for taxation in the feudal system.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Agricultural History

  • In historical agrarian societies, land was often measured in virgate, reflecting farming practices of the time.
  • A virgate typically represented around 30 acres, connecting land ownership to the ability to utilize a plow effectively.
  • This measurement system influenced land distribution and farming methods in various cultures.

Linguistics

  • Similar words in other languages highlight the connection to 'rod' or 'stick', such as the Old High German 'werg', meaning wand.
  • The concept of a virgate as a measurer or marker persists in modern language, showing how terms evolve yet remain rooted in history.
  • The transformation of this word throughout centuries illustrates its adaptability in both agricultural and linguistic contexts.

Botany

  • The term 'virgate' can also describe plant structures that are slender and upright, similar to how some plants grow tall and straight.
  • In botany, 'virgate' may refer to certain grass species that develop elongated, slender stems.
  • The word embodies the idea of vertical growth, paralleling the natural world's diversity in plant shapes.

Pop Culture

  • While not commonly used in everyday conversation, 'virgate' appears in fantasy literature where magical or mysterious sticks and rods play critical roles.
  • Cultural references may associate the term with characters known for their slender wands or staffs in various fantasy games and stories.
  • In contemporary contexts, the idea of a virgate can be symbolically connected to leadership, as leaders often guide with โ€˜straightโ€™ paths or decisions.

Origin of 'virgate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'virgate' comes from the Latin word 'virgata', originally meaning a 'staff' or 'rod'.
  • In medieval English, it referred to a piece of land that was the size of an acre and could be plowed by one animal pulling a plow.
  • The term also connects to the word 'virga', which means a twig or rod, reflecting its thin, linear shape.

The word 'virgate' originates from the Latin word 'virgata' which means a 'rod' or 'furlong'. In medieval England, a virgate was a unit of land measurement typically granted to peasants for agricultural purposes. It was approximately equal to 30 acres of land. The virgate played a significant role in the feudal system, as it determined the amount of land a peasant could work on and the taxes they had to pay. The term is still used in historical contexts to refer to land measurement.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,650 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.