Dictionary

toft en · NOUN

Etymology

From Old Norse toft, from Proto-Germanic *tumþiz, from Proto-Indo-European *dem- (“to build”).

Meanings

1. A hillock.
2. A homestead, especially one on a hill.
   • 2003, C. S. Knighton (editor), Calendar of Inquisitions Miscellaneous (Chancery): Preserved in the Public Record Office, Volume VIII: 1422—1485, page 73, Wynnemerus Preston lately held 2 cottages wasted of which the tofts are worth 2d. net yearly and another cottage wasted of which the toft is worth 6d. net yearly.
   • Rendering therefore annually to me and my heirs one halfpenny on the day of the nativity of St. John the Baptist for all suits services and demands and I the said Alice and my heirs the aforesaid toft and land with all their appurtenances as is before named to the said William and his heirs[…]. 1840, George Poulson, The History and Antiquities of the Seigniory of Holderness, volume 1, page 479:
   • […]the lands of Peter de Sourdeuall in Esk, Brandesburton and Routh[…]namely, half the capital messuage with the enclosure (ofuenam) as it is bounded and fenced, and a bovate of land which belonged to John, son of Emmot, and a toft which Henry, son of Walter, held, and a toft which Roger the carpenter (le carpentre) held,[…]. 2013, M. J. Hebditch, editor, Yorkshire Deeds, volume 9, page 34:
3. A messuage with right of common.

Forms

Deriveds

toft and croft · toftman