Monday-ish word: curtilage

[ersatz-read.livejournal.com]

curtilage /ˈkərd(ə)lij/, noun
The land immediately surrounding a house or dwelling.

According to Wikipedia, the curtilage delineates the boundary within which a homeowner can have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

I most recently heard the word in this article, which ruled that a curtilage cannot be searched without a warrant.

Etymology: Middle English courtelage (court, yard, garden)