croft

¹

[ krawft, kroft ]

noun

, British.

1. a small farm, especially one worked by a tenant.
2. a small plot of ground adjacent to a house and used as a kitchen garden, to pasture one or two cows, etc.; a garden large enough to feed a family or have commercial value.

croft

²

[ krawft, kroft ]

noun

1. a small, portable filing cabinet of table height, having drop leaves for use as a table.

croft

/ krɒft /

noun

1. a small enclosed plot of land, adjoining a house, worked by the occupier and his family, esp in Scotland
2. dialect.
   a patch of wasteland, formerly one used for bleaching fabric in the sun

Word History and Origins

Origin of croft¹

before 1000; Middle English, Old English: small field

Origin of croft²

Named after the Reverend Sir Herbert Croft (1757–1816), lexicologist, its inventor

Word History and Origins

Origin of croft¹

Old English croft; related to Middle Dutch krocht hill, field, Old English creopan to creep

Example Sentences

Instead of working on their long-overdue extension, Billy built a miniature croft house for the otter, equipped with a camera, wi-fi and a set of Mail family photos.

From BBC

There have also been complaints about grazing on croft land and the damage the deer do to woodland, gardens and other property.

From BBC

As well as concerns around the disease, there have been complaints about grazing on croft land and the damage the deer do to woodland, gardens and other property.

From BBC

Michael Peterson was feeding his sheep on his croft in Shetland when he spotted the rare weather event following a hailstorm.

From BBC

For an intimate winter nook, consider a croft room, where you can sleep in a cabin bed enclosed with panels and curtains.

From New York Times