Meaning
To dig into the ground, especially with a shovel.
Etymology
Origin: Old English
From Middle English delven, from Old English delfan (“to dig, dig out, burrow, bury”), from Proto-Germanic *delbaną (“to dig”), from Proto-Indo-European *dʰelbʰ- (“to dig”). Cognate with West Frisian dolle (“to dig, delve”), Dutch delven (“to dig, delve”), Low German dölven (“to dig, delve”), dialectal German delben, telben (“to dig, delve”).
Synonyms & Antonyms
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 8 recorded puzzles:
