veld

noun

Etymology: Borrowed from Afrikaans veld, or from its etymon Dutch veld (“field; open country”) (formerly spelled veldt), ultimately from Proto-Germanic *felþuz (“field, plain”), possibly from Proto-Indo-European *pleh₂- (“flat”). Doublet of field.

1. The open grassland or pastureland of South Africa and neighbouring countries.

   “In the Bokke-velds, as they are called, theſe animals [springbok] are found in great numbers, and ſometimes at Roode-Zand.”

   “Advance tovvards the Cond Bokke Veld, or cold country of Antelopes: mountains covered with ſnovv.”