King James Bible Dictionary

(Heb. sadeh), a cultivated field, but unenclosed. It is applied to any cultivated ground or pasture (Genesis 29:2; 31:4; 34:7), or tillage (Genesis 37:7; 47:24). It is also applied to woodland (Psalms 132:6) or mountain top (Judges 9:32, 36; 2 Samuel 1:21). It denotes sometimes a cultivated region as opposed to the wilderness (Genesis 33:19; 36:35). Unwalled villages or scattered houses are spoken of as "in the fields" (Deuteronomy 28:3, 16; Leviticus 25:31; Mark 6:36, 56). The "open field" is a place remote from a house (Genesis 4:8; Leviticus 14:7, 53; 17:5). Cultivated land of any extent was called a field (Genesis 23:13, 17; 41:8; Leviticus 27:16; Ruth 4:5; Nehemiah 12:29).

The Hebrew sadeh is applied to any cultivated ground, and in some instances in marked opposition to the neighboring wilderness. On the other hand the sadeh is frequently contrasted with what is enclosed, whether a vineyard, a garden or a walled town. In many passages the term implies what is remote from a house, (Genesis 4:8; 24:63; 22:25) or settled habitation, as in the case of Esau. (Genesis 25:27) The separate plots of ground were marked off by stones, which might easily be removed, (19:14; 27:17) cf. Job 24:2; Proverbs 22:28; 23:10 The absence of fences rendered the fields liable to damage from straying cattle, (Exodus 22:5) or fire, (Exodus 22:6; 2 Samuel 14:30) hence the necessity of constantly watching flocks and herds. From the absence of enclosures, cultivated land of any size might be termed a field.

FIELD, noun

1. A piece of land inclosed for tillage or pasture; any part of a farm, except the garden and appurtenances of the mansion; properly land not covered with wood, and more strictly applicable to tillage land than to mowing land, which is often called meadow. But we say, the master of the house is in the field with his laborers, when he is at a distance from his house on his farm. He is in the field plowing, sowing, reaping or making hay.

2. Ground not inclosed.

3. The ground where a battle is fought.

We say, the field of battle; these veterans are excellent soldiers in the field

4. A battle; action in the field

What though the field be lost.

5. To keep the field is to keep the campaign open; to live in tents, or to be in a state of active operations. At the approach of cold weather, the troops, unable to keep the field were ordered into winter quarters.

6. A wide expanse.

Ask of yonder argent fields above.

7. Open space for action or operation; compass; extent. This subject opens a wide field for contemplation.

8. A piece or tract of land.

The field I give thee and the cave that is therein.

Genesis 23:9.

9. The ground or blank space on which figures are drawn; as the field or ground of a picture.

10. In heraldry, the whole surface of the shield, or the continent.

11. In scripture, field often signifies the open country, ground not inclosed, as it may in some countries in modern times.

12. A field of ice, a large body of floating ice.

FIE'LD-BASIL, noun A plant of several kinds.

FIE'LD-BED, noun A bed for the field.

FIE'LD-BOOK, noun A book used in surveying, in which are set down the angles, stations, distances, etc.

FIE'LD-COLORS, noun plural In war, small flags of about a foot and half square, carried along with the quarter-master general, for marking out the ground for the squadrons and battalions.

FIE'LD-DUCK, noun A species of bustard, nearly as large as a pheasant; found chiefly in France.

FIE'LDED, adjective Being in the field of battle; encamped.

FIE'LDFARE, noun [field and fare, wandering in the field.]

A bird of the genus Turdus or thrush, about ten inches in length, the head ash-colored, the back and greater coverts of the wings, of a fine deep chestnut, and the tail black. These birds pass the summer in the northern parts of Europe, but visit Great Britain in winter.

FIELD-M'ARSHAL, noun The commander of an army; a military officer of high rank in France and Germany, and the highest military officer in England.

FIE'LDMOUSE, noun A species of mouse that lives in the field, burrowing in banks, etc.

FIE'LD-OFFICER, noun A military officer above the rank of captain, as a major or colonel.

FIE'LD-PIECE, noun A small cannon which is carried along with armies, and used in the field of battle.

FIE'LD-PREACHER, noun One who preaches in the open air.

FIE'LD-PREACHING, noun A preaching in the field or open air.

FIE'LDROOM, noun Open space. [Not in use.]

FIE'LD-SPORTS, noun plural Diversions of the field, as shooting and hunting.

FIE'LD-STAFF, noun A weapon carried by gunners, about the length of a halbert, with a spear at the end; having on each side ears screwed on, like the cock of a match-lock, where the gunners screw in lighted matches, when they are on command.

FIE'LD-WORKS, noun In the military art, works thrown up by an army in besieging a fortress, or by the besieged to defend the place.

FIE'LDY, adjective Open like a field. [Not in use.]