Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Turf \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.