corf

A large basket, especially as used for coal.

Noun

  1. A large basket, especially as used for coal.
    • Why, I am simple as a pony, Sir […]?– born in a Drift, a Corf for my cradle, and nought but the Back-shift for Schoolmasters there […]? - 1997, Thomas Pynchon, Mason & Dixon:
  2. A container (basket, wooden box with holes etc.) used to store live fish underwater.
  3. A wooden frame, sled, or low-wheeled wagon, to convey coal or ore in the mines.

Origin

From Middle English corf, borrowed from Middle Low German korf or Middle Dutch korf, ultimately from Proto-West Germanic *korb.

Forms

corves corfs

Related

korfball