Monday word: lynchet

[ersatz-read.livejournal.com]

lynchet (ˈlɪntʃɪt), noun

A ridge formed on a plowed hillside.

Think of terraces on a hillside.  Plowing across a hillside eventually forms terraces, as disturbed soil slides downhill to create a slight ridge - a positive lynchet - on the downhill side of the plowed area (a negative lynchet is created on the uphill side of the plowed area).

Etymology:  diminutive form of Old English hlinc, ridge, rising ground.

Although traditionally associated with ancient fields in the British Isles, I learned the term from a book by Will Bonsall, who has created similar plowed terraces on his farm in Maine.


(from http://www.panoramio.com/photo/21437199)

Comments

[prettygoodword.livejournal.com]

So specifically plowing, and wouldn't apply to, say, terraced rice paddies?

[ersatz-read.livejournal.com]

The term originally referred to ancient terraces in the British Isles, which were created by repeated plowing (seems jury is still out on whether it was intentional terracing or just happened over time as the soil shifted). And the dictionary definitions also spoke of plowing. But if I Google, I can see more general usage - including rice paddies.

[prettygoodword.livejournal.com]

Usage evolution in action. Thanks.