sward

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the surface layer of soil held together by grass and its roots; turf

   Their boots left shallow marks in the rain-softened sward.

2. 2
   noun

   an expanse of ground covered with short grass

   Deer grazed on the green sward below the ridge.

From Old English sweard ("skin, rind"), later used for the grassy skin of the earth. Cognates in other Germanic languages likewise connect the idea of a tough outer covering with turf.

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