turpin
Turpin (noun) means an old, informal word for any land-dwelling tortoise. Example: “The old naturalist's notebook simply called every land tortoise he found a turpin.”
How to use turpin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA dated, informal name for a tortoise that lives on land rather than in water.
Word forms
turpins plural, Turpins plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old naturalist's notebook simply called every land tortoise he found a _____.
Etymology
Traced to Old French roots meaning "divine" combined with a word for an evergreen tree, later applied loosely to tortoises.
Frequently asked questions
What does “turpin” mean?
The word “turpin” means an old, informal word for any land-dwelling tortoise. In plain terms, a dated, informal name for a tortoise that lives on land rather than in water.
How do you use “turpin” in a sentence?
Here is “turpin” used in a sentence: “The old naturalist's notebook simply called every land tortoise he found a turpin.”
What part of speech is “turpin”?
“Turpin” is a noun.
Where does the word “turpin” come from?
The word “turpin” comes from Old French. Traced to Old French roots meaning "divine" combined with a word for an evergreen tree, later applied loosely to tortoises.