garth

¹ American  

[gahrth] / gɑrθ /

noun

1. Also called cloister garth.  an open courtyard enclosed by a cloister.

2. Archaic. a yard or garden.

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Garth ² American  

[gahrth] / gɑrθ /

noun

1. a male given name.

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garth ¹ British  

/ ɡɑːθ /

noun

1. a courtyard surrounded by a cloister

2. archaic a yard or garden

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garth ² British  

/ ɡɑːθ /

noun

1. dialect a child's hoop, often the rim of a bicycle wheel

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Etymology

Origin of garth

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Old Norse garthr “farm, farmyard, courtyard”; yard ²

Example Sentences

The lawns, scythed by the monks, formed a courtyard called a garth.

From Washington Post • Jun. 9, 2020

“Martin,” cried a shrill voice from the garth, “is that lookin’ fer eggs?”

From The Revellers by Tracy, Louis

In the cloister garth are two graves perhaps as well worth visiting as ever Becket's was, though no miracles have yet occurred at them.

From Canterbury by Danks, Canon

It projects 8 feet into the garth, and is entered from the cloister alley by eight tall arches with glazed traceried openings above.

From Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Gloucester [2nd ed.] A Description of Its Fabric and A Brief History of the Espicopal See by Massé, H. J. L. J. (Henri Jean Louis Joseph)

A type of numerous English gardens with informal planting The word "garden" itself means an enclosed space, a garth or yard surrounded by walls, as opposed to unenclosed fields and woods.

From Garden Design and Architects' Gardens by Robinson, W. Heath (William Heath)