arable

Definition

Able to be plowed or tilled, capable of growing crops (traditionally contrasted with pasturable lands such as heaths).

Etymology

From Middle English arable, from Middle French arable, from Old French arable, from Latin arābilis, formed from arō (“plow”) + -bilis (“able to be”). Cognate with earable (“arable”).

Example Sentences

• "And again, since no animal now stole, it was unnecessary to fence off pasture from arable land […]"