Field

[A. S. and Ger. feld.] ( Agricult.) A portion of land enclosed by a fence, or rendered distinct by some line of separation, so as to adapt it for culture. In former times, and until within the last two centuries, almost all the land cultivated with the plough throughout Europe was unenclosed; and the term field was then applied to the lands under culture by the plough. Subsequently, when farmers enclosed and sub-divided a portion of the lands near the farmyard, these portions were called fields, the more distant portion which remained open being called open field, or common field; while gra lands unenclosed were called commons. In the present improved state of agriculture, every farm is divided into fields, either simply by lines of demarcation, which are sufficient when no animals are to be grazed on the farm; or by lines of separation which will act as fences, such as walls, hedges, ditches, ., where cattle are to be grazed. The open country, as opposed to house or quarters; as, "at home or in the field . " - An open space; free scope; an unrestricted opportunity; a wide expanse; as, " fields of light." ( Dryden .) - The ground or blank space on which figures are drawn; as, the field of a picture. The ground where a battle is fought, the battle or action itself; as, " a field may be dispatched and fought." (Her.) The whole surface or continent of the escut che on or shield. It is so called, according to some, because it represents the field of battle on which the achievements or charges represented on it are supposed to have been gained. In blazoning, the tincture or metal of the field must be the first thing mentioned. A field of ice, a large body of floating ice. The field of view , the range of a telescope or microsсоре. Field, in South Carolina, a post-office of Pickens co. Field-basil, n. ( Bot . ) A plant of the genus Thymus . Field-bed, n. A folding-bed; a bed readily portable and suitable for campaigning. Field Bend, in Pennsylvania , a post-office of Pike co. Field'-book, n. A book in which surveyors or civil engineers set down the admeasurements of angles, stations, distances, ., taken in the field. Field boro, in N. Carolina , a post-office of Greene co. Field'-colors, n.pl. Small flags to mark out the ground for the manœuvring of a regiment or larger body of troops, on occasions of review or muster; markers. Field'-day, n. ( Mil .) A day when troops are drawn out for instruction in field-exercises and evolutions. Field'-duck, n. ( Ornith .) The little bustard. See OTIS. Field'-equipage, n. ( Mil .) All the apparatus nece ary for field-service or active duty.