Assart is a term that is not commonly used in everyday language. It is a word that is mainly used in historical and legal contexts. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of assart, its origin, and how it is used in different dictionaries. We will also look at its associations, synonyms, antonyms, root words, and provide some example sentences to help you understand its usage.
Definitions
Assart is a term used to describe the process of clearing a forested area for cultivation or settlement. It is also used to refer to the land that has been cleared in this way. In legal terms, assart is the act of encroaching on a forested area without permission from the owner of the land.
Origin
The word assart comes from the Old French word “essarter,” which means “to clear land.” It is also related to the Latin word “exartare,” which means “to plow up.” The term was first used in medieval England to describe the process of clearing land for farming.
Meaning in different dictionaries
Assart is not a commonly used word, and it may not be found in all dictionaries. However, some dictionaries that do include it define it as follows:
- Merriam-Webster: to clear (land) of forest for cultivation or pasture.
- Oxford English Dictionary: the act of clearing land for cultivation or settlement, or the land that has been cleared in this way.
- Collins English Dictionary: to clear (land) of trees for farming or other purposes.
Associations
Assart is a term that is associated with the historical practice of clearing land for farming. It is also associated with the legal concept of encroaching on forested land without permission.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of assart include:
- Clearing.
- Cultivation.
- Land clearance.
- Deforestation.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of assart, but some related terms that could be considered opposites include:
- Reforestation.
- Afforestation.
- Forest conservation.
The same root words
The same root words as assart include:
- Essarter: the Old French word from which assart is derived.
- Exartare: the Latin word meaning “to plow up”.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that demonstrate the use of assart:
- The settlers assarted the land and began farming it.
- The king granted permission for the assart of the forested area.
- The villagers were accused of assarting the forest without permission.
- The assarted land was fertile and produced abundant crops.