farm

Less common meanings

5. 5
   verbtransitive

   In the past, to let someone else use land or collect taxes in return for rent or a share.

   Long ago, kings often farmed the right to collect taxes to rich merchants.

   Centuries ago, landowners would often farm their fields to tenants for a share of the crop.

   Similarlease, let

   Note
6. 6
   verbobsoletetransitive

   To rent land or other property from someone for a set price.

   Note
7. 7
   nounobsolete

   Food or supplies of food. Also a meal, especially a big meal for a special occasion.

   Note
8. 8
   noun

   A place where people were paid to take in and care for other people's babies.
9. 9
   noun

   In the past, a lease at a fixed rent, especially the right to collect a tax, bought for a set payment.

   The first farm of postal income was made in 1672.

   1885, Edwards in Encycl. Brit. XIX. 580Here, farm means a lease giving someone the right to collect income for a fixed fee.
10. 10
    noun

    In the past, a fixed yearly payment of money or goods paid as rent or instead of taxes.

    He [the Sheriff] paid into the Exchequer the fixed yearly sum which formed the farm of the shire.

    1876, E. A. Freeman, Hist. Norman Conquest V. xxiv. 439Here, farm means a fixed yearly payment owed instead of taxes.
11. 11
    noun

    The group of rich men who paid the king for the right to collect taxes.
12. 12
    verbdialectalUK

    To clean out or empty something, like a barn or a ditch.