Colf
/kɒlf/noun
An old English and Dutch word for a club, bat, or striking stick; also the name of an early golf-like game.
Did you know?The game-name *colf* is historically tied to the idea of a club or bat, and it helped shape the later word *golf* through Dutch and Scots usage.
Etymological Timeline
Old Dutch
Dutch
colf
“A club, staff, or bat used for striking.”
Middle Dutch
Dutch
colve
“A club or bat; also the name of a ball game played with clubs.”
Late Middle Ages
Scots/English
golf
“The early form of the game played by striking a ball with a club.”
Modern English
English
golf
“A club-and-ball sport played on a course with holes.”