Changes

==Origin==

==Origin==

[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._1100-1500_.09THE_MIDDLE_ENGLISH_PERIOD Middle English], from [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._600-1100.09THE_OLD_ENGLISH.2C_OR_ANGLO-SAXON_PERIOD Old English] plōh hide of [[land]]; akin to Old High German pfluog plow

[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._1100-1500_.09THE_MIDDLE_ENGLISH_PERIOD Middle English], from [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._600-1100.09THE_OLD_ENGLISH.2C_OR_ANGLO-SAXON_PERIOD Old English] plōh hide of [[land]]; akin to Old High German pfluog plow

*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12th_century 12th Century]

*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12th_century 12th Century]

[[Immediate]] [[origin]] uncertain; apparently either cognate with, or borrowed from one of, the following forms in other Germanic languages: Old Frisian plōch, plōg (West Frisian ploege, ploech, North Frisian pluwge), Middle Dutch ploech (Dutch ploeg), Middle Low German plōch, plūch, Old High German phluog (8th cent.; Middle High German phluoc, German Pflug), Old Icelandic plógr (in the poem Rígsþula, which was perhaps composed in the 10th cent., but shows probable reworking, perhaps in England, in the 11th cent.; also in Skaldic [[poetry]] of the mid 11th cent.), Norn (Shetland) plug, Old Swedish plogher (Swedish plog), Old Danish plogh (Danish plov), all in sense ‘plough’; the Germanic [[words]] are apparently related also to post-classical [[Latin]] plovum (mid 7th cent.), Italian regional (northern) piò, and perhaps also to classical Latin plaumorati (in an isolated attestation in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pliny Pliny], where it is apparently a loanword, and refers to a new type of plough with two wheels in use in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaul Gaul]; the word is sometimes regarded as plural (or genitive singular) and a (nominative) singular plaumoratum constructed, but the [[context]] is unclear). Further etymology unknown.

[[Immediate]] [[origin]] uncertain; apparently either cognate with, or borrowed from one of, the following forms in other Germanic languages: Old Frisian plōch, plōg (West Frisian ploege, ploech, North Frisian pluwge), Middle Dutch ploech (Dutch ploeg), Middle Low German plōch, plūch, Old High German phluog (8th cent.; Middle High German phluoc, German Pflug), Old Icelandic plógr (in the poem Rígsþula, which was perhaps composed in the 10th cent., but shows probable reworking, perhaps in England, in the 11th cent.; also in Skaldic [[poetry]] of the mid 11th cent.), Norn (Shetland) plug, Old Swedish plogher (Swedish plog), Old Danish plogh (Danish plov), all in sense ‘plough’; the Germanic [[words]] are apparently related also to post-classical [[Latin]] plovum (mid 7th cent.), Italian regional (northern) piò, and perhaps also to classical Latin plaumorati (in an isolated attestation in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pliny Pliny], where it is apparently a loanword, and refers to a new type of plough with two wheels in use in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaul Gaul]; the word is sometimes regarded as plural (or genitive singular) and a (nominative) singular plaumoratum constructed, but the [[context]] is unclear). Further etymology unknown.

In [[formal]] terms, there is nothing to rule out the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._600-1100.09THE_OLD_ENGLISH.2C_OR_ANGLO-SAXON_PERIOD Old English] word's being inherited from Germanic, rather than borrowed (either from another West Germanic language, or from early Scandinavian); however, it is not found at all in Old English in the (probably basic) sense 3a, and senses 1a and 2a are both rare and late in Old English. Earlier currency of the [[word]]is probably implied by (rare) Old English plōgesland, plōgalandploughland n.; compare also Old English plōgagang (see plough-gang n.). It is notable that the earlier Old English word for the agricultural implement at 3a, sulh, [[survived]] in western and south-western English [[dialects]] (those spoken in the areas least [[influenced]] by Norse settlers) as sullow n., and it has often been assumed that the present word is a borrowing from early Scandinavian, earliest in the Danelaw areas.

In [[formal]] terms, there is nothing to rule out the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._600-1100.09THE_OLD_ENGLISH.2C_OR_ANGLO-SAXON_PERIOD Old English] word's being inherited from Germanic, rather than borrowed (either from another West Germanic language, or from early Scandinavian); however, it is not found at all in Old English in the (probably basic) sense 3a, and senses 1a and 2a are both rare and late in Old English. Earlier currency of the [[word]]is probably implied by (rare) Old English plōgesland, plōgalandploughland n.; compare also Old English plōgagang (see plough-gang n.). It is notable that the earlier Old English word for the agricultural implement at 3a, sulh, [[survived]] in western and south-western English [[dialects]] (those spoken in the areas least [[influenced]] by Norse settlers) as sullow n., and it has often been assumed that the present word is a borrowing from early Scandinavian, earliest in the Danelaw areas.

Compare Old Russian plug″ (Russian plug), Polish pług, Czech pluh, Lithuanian pliūgas, plūgas (probably all < German or other Germanic languages, although some have argued that these show an inherited Slavonic word ultimately of Indo-European origin); compare also Albanian plug plough. Perhaps compare also Albanian plor, Albanian regional (Tosk) pluar, (Gheg) pluer ploughshare, tip of a wooden plough, of uncertain origin.

Compare Old Russian plug″ (Russian plug), Polish pług, Czech pluh, Lithuanian pliūgas, plūgas (probably all < German or other Germanic languages, although some have argued that these show an inherited Slavonic word ultimately of Indo-European origin); compare also Albanian plug plough. Perhaps compare also Albanian plor, Albanian regional (Tosk) pluar, (Gheg) pluer ploughshare, tip of a wooden plough, of uncertain origin.

   

   

As regards the further etymology, attempts have been made (in spite of the difficulties posed by the initial p and by the restricted distribution among Germanic languages) to regard the [[word]] as an inherited item in Germanic, and hence to link it with either of two different [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indo European Indo-European languages] bases, or alternatively with the Germanic base of German pflegen (see plight n.1); alternatively, it has been explained as a loan either from another Indo-European language (perhaps Gaulish in view of Pliny's plaumorati) or from a non-Indo-European language. It seems unlikely that a [[consensus]] view will be reached.

As regards the further etymology, attempts have been made (in spite of the difficulties posed by the initial p and by the restricted distribution among Germanic languages) to regard the [[word]] as an inherited item in Germanic, and hence to link it with either of two different [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indo European Indo-European languages] bases, or alternatively with the Germanic base of German pflegen (see plight n.1); alternatively, it has been explained as a loan either from another Indo-European language (perhaps Gaulish in view of Pliny's plaumorati) or from a non-Indo-European language. It seems unlikely that a [[consensus]] view will be reached.

   

   

In [[support]] of an etymological [[connection]] with the Germanic base of German pflegen attention has been drawn to Old Frisian plōch, plōg gainful employment, gain, [[profit]], [[community]] of interests, Middle Dutch ploech division of a [[society]], heap of [[things]], Middle High German phluoc [[business]], living, income, Old Icelandic plógr gain, produce; however, it has also been argued that these show a separate homonym, unrelated in origin to the [[word]] for ‘plough’.

In [[support]] of an etymological [[connection]] with the Germanic base of German pflegen attention has been drawn to Old Frisian plōch, plōg gainful employment, gain, [[profit]], [[community]] of interests, Middle Dutch ploech division of a [[society]], heap of [[things]], Middle High German phluoc [[business]], living, income, Old Icelandic plógr gain, produce; however, it has also been argued that these show a separate homonym, unrelated in origin to the [[word]] for ‘plough’.

   

   

As regards the developments shown by the forms of the [[word]] within [[English]], the regular [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._600-1100.09THE_OLD_ENGLISH.2C_OR_ANGLO-SAXON_PERIOD Old English] inflection of plōh (also, with failure of devoicing of the final consonant, plōg) would be dative plōge, genitive plōges, nominative plural plōgas, giving in early [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._1100-1500_.09THE_MIDDLE_ENGLISH_PERIOD Middle English] ploh, ploȝe, ploȝes, and in later Middle English singular plouh, plowh, or plowgh, plural plowes; as these became homophonous in [[modern]] English there is levelling of the spellings to either plough, ploughs, or plow, plows; the former has been the [[accepted]] spelling in England since approximately 1700, while the latter is usual in the U.S. In pronunciation, the final consonant was lost in some districts in the 14th cent., and has quite disappeared not only in the [[standard]] [[language]], but in all [[dialects]] south of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peak_District Peak of Derbyshire]; it remains in parts of Scotland as /x/ (pleuch, pluich = /pløx/ /plʏx/ ), and in the north of England (if it is retained) it has generally developed to /f/ . In plough v. forms with retention of the final consonant are not found; in the noun, they perhaps result from early loss of final unstressed vowels, limiting the [[influence]] of the forms of the oblique cases.

As regards the developments shown by the forms of the [[word]] within [[English]], the regular [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._600-1100.09THE_OLD_ENGLISH.2C_OR_ANGLO-SAXON_PERIOD Old English] inflection of plōh (also, with failure of devoicing of the final consonant, plōg) would be dative plōge, genitive plōges, nominative plural plōgas, giving in early [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._1100-1500_.09THE_MIDDLE_ENGLISH_PERIOD Middle English] ploh, ploȝe, ploȝes, and in later Middle English singular plouh, plowh, or plowgh, plural plowes; as these became homophonous in [[modern]] English there is levelling of the spellings to either plough, ploughs, or plow, plows; the former has been the [[accepted]] spelling in England since approximately 1700, while the latter is usual in the U.S. In pronunciation, the final consonant was lost in some districts in the 14th cent., and has quite disappeared not only in the [[standard]] [[language]], but in all [[dialects]] south of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peak_District Peak of Derbyshire]; it remains in parts of Scotland as /x/ (pleuch, pluich = /pløx/ /plʏx/ ), and in the north of England (if it is retained) it has generally developed to /f/ . In plough v. forms with retention of the final consonant are not found; in the noun, they perhaps result from early loss of final unstressed vowels, limiting the [[influence]] of the forms of the oblique cases.

==Definitions==

==Definitions==

*1: In northern and eastern areas of England and Scotland: the [[name]] given to a unit of [[land]] capable of being tilled by a team of oxen in a year

*1: In northern and eastern areas of England and Scotland: the [[name]] given to a unit of [[land]] capable of being tilled by a team of oxen in a year

*3. a. An [[agricultural]] implement with one or more blades fixed in a frame, drawn over the [[soil]] to turn it up and cut furrows in [[preparation]] for the planting of [[seeds]]. Formerly often used metonymically as an emblem of agricultural life and labour

*3. a. An [[agricultural]] implement with one or more blades fixed in a frame, drawn over the [[soil]] to turn it up and cut furrows in [[preparation]] for the planting of [[seeds]]. Formerly often used metonymically as an emblem of agricultural life and labour

: b. In fig. uses.  †(a) The instrument or means of earning one's livelihood (obs.);  (b) something which breaks up, turns over, or [[cultivates]] (the [[mind]], [[spirit]], etc.)

: b. In fig. uses.  †(a) The instrument or means of earning one's livelihood (obs.);  (b) something which breaks up, turns over, or [[cultivates]] (the [[mind]], [[spirit]], etc.)

*4. [[Astronomy]]  the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Dipper Plough] n. (the name of) a distinctive [[group]] of [[seven]] bright [[stars]] in the constellation [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ursa_Major Ursa Major]. Also: the constellation itself.

*4. [[Astronomy]]  the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Dipper Plough] n. (the name of) a distinctive [[group]] of [[seven]] bright [[stars]] in the constellation [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ursa_Major Ursa Major]. Also: the constellation itself.

*5: Any of various implements, [[mechanical]] parts, etc., resembling an agricultural plough in shape or [[action]].

*5: Any of various implements, [[mechanical]] parts, etc., resembling an agricultural plough in shape or [[action]].

*6: Yoga. More fully plough pose. With the. A position assumed by lying on one's back and swinging one's legs over one's head until the outstretched feet approach or [[touch]] the floor.

*6: Yoga. More fully plough pose. With the. A position assumed by lying on one's back and swinging one's legs over one's head until the outstretched feet approach or [[touch]] the floor.

==Description==

==Description==

The '''plough''' (American spelling: plow) is a [[tool]] used in farming for initial [[cultivation]] of [[soil]] in [[preparation]] for sowing [[seed]] or planting. It has been a basic instrument for most of recorded [[history]], and [[represents]] one of the major advances in [[agriculture]]. The primary [[purpose]] of ploughing is to turn over the upper layer of the [[soil]], bringing fresh nutrients to the [[surface]], while burying weeds and the remains of previous crops, allowing them to break down. It also aerates the soil, and allows it to hold moisture better. In [[modern]] use, a ploughed field is typically left to dry out, and is then [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harrow_(tool) harrowed] before planting.

The '''plough''' (American spelling: plow) is a [[tool]] used in farming for initial [[cultivation]] of [[soil]] in [[preparation]] for sowing [[seed]] or planting. It has been a basic instrument for most of recorded [[history]], and [[represents]] one of the major advances in [[agriculture]]. The primary [[purpose]] of ploughing is to turn over the upper layer of the [[soil]], bringing fresh nutrients to the [[surface]], while burying weeds and the remains of previous crops, allowing them to break down. It also aerates the soil, and allows it to hold moisture better. In [[modern]] use, a ploughed field is typically left to dry out, and is then [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harrow_(tool) harrowed] before planting.

Ploughs were initially pulled by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ox oxen], and later in many areas by horses (generally draught horses) and mules. In industrialised countries, the first [[mechanical]] means of pulling a plough used [[steam]]-powered (ploughing engines or steam tractors), but these were [[gradually]] superseded by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internal_combustion_engine internal-combustion]-powered tractors. In the past two decades plough use has reduced in some areas (where [[soil]] damage and [[erosion]] are problems), in favour of shallower ploughing and other less invasive tillage [[techniques]].

Ploughs were initially pulled by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ox oxen], and later in many areas by horses (generally draught horses) and mules. In industrialised countries, the first [[mechanical]] means of pulling a plough used [[steam]]-powered (ploughing engines or steam tractors), but these were [[gradually]] superseded by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internal_combustion_engine internal-combustion]-powered tractors. In the past two decades plough use has reduced in some areas (where [[soil]] damage and [[erosion]] are problems), in favour of shallower ploughing and other less invasive tillage [[techniques]].

Ploughs are even used under the [[sea]], for the laying of cables, as well as preparing the [[earth]] for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Side-scan_sonar side-scan sonar] in a [[process]] used in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_exploration oil exploration].[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plough]

Ploughs are even used under the [[sea]], for the laying of cables, as well as preparing the [[earth]] for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Side-scan_sonar side-scan sonar] in a [[process]] used in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_exploration oil exploration].[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plough]

[[Category: History]]

[[Category: History]]

[[Category: General Reference]]

[[Category: General Reference]]