Turbary is a legal term that refers to the right to cut peat, or turf, from a bog or marsh for use as fuel. The spelling of the word can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The initial sound is /t/, followed by the vowel sound /ɜː/ (as in "fern"). The consonant sound /b/ is next, followed by the long vowel sound /eɪ/ (as in "bay"), and the final consonant sound /r/. The stress is on the second syllable, making the pronunciation tuh-BAY-ree.
Turbary is a legal and historical term that refers to the right or privilege to cut turfs or peat in a peat bog or marshy area for fuel purposes. The term "turbary" comes from the Latin word "turba," meaning a turf or sod.
In ancient times, the use of turf as fuel was common, particularly in regions where wood was scarce. Turbary rights were often granted to individuals, communities, or landowners as a valuable resource. These rights allowed them to harvest turf or peat from designated areas for personal use or for commercial purposes.
The legal concept of turbary has its origins in English common law and was recognized as a customary right. It was defined and regulated by statutes, local customs, and various legal documents. Turbary rights were often associated with specific parcels of land, which were known as turbary grounds or turbary commons.
Over time, turbary rights have become less prevalent as alternative heating and fuel sources have been introduced. However, in some regions, particularly in rural or remote areas, turbary may still hold significance. Today, the term is mainly used in a historical or legal context to describe the historical practice and rights related to the cutting of turf or peat.
A place where peat is dug; the right of digging peat; a swampy peat-moss.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "turbary" originated from Middle English "turberie" or "turbarye", which came from the Old French word "tourbe" meaning "turf". The Old French word, in turn, was derived from the Late Latin word "turba", which meant "a trodden path" or "collection of people". This Latin term was related to the Latin verb "terere", meaning "to rub" or "to wear away", indicating that the word "turbary" originally referred to the process of cutting or extracting turf from the ground. Over time, "turbary" specifically came to denote the right or privilege to collect turf or peat from a common or moorland.