TURF  , the

top or surface of earth when covered with grass, forming a coherent mass of mould or soil in which the roots of grasses and other plants are embedded . This is capable of being cut out in solid mat-like blocks, known by the same name . Similarly " peat " (q.v.) when cut in pieces for fuel or other purposes is also styled " turf." The term is applied widely to any stretch or sward of trimmed grass-land, and thus by metonymy, to horse-racing and all connected with it,from the owning and running of race-horses to betting . The word " turf " is common to Teutonic languages, cf . Du. turf, Ger . Torf, Dan . Mrs, &c . It has been connected with Skt. darbha, grass, so called from being matted or twisted together, darbh, to wind . The Teutonic word was adapted in Med . Lat., as turba (cf . Fr. tourbe, Ital. torba), whence was formed turbaria, turbary, the right of digging and cutting turf in common with the owner of the land .