turf

(tûrf)

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. Slang
   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).
   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.

1. To spread with turf: turfed the front yard.
2. Chiefly British Slang To displace or eject.
3. Slang To kill: “These guys can't . . . make sure nobody gets turfed” (Scott Turow).

Related Forms:

• turfˈy adjective