curtilage
noun
cur·ti·lage ˈkər-tə-lij 
: a piece of ground (such as a yard or courtyard) within the fence surrounding a house
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web In legal parlance, curtilage refers to land attached to a house, like a yard or garden. 
Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 2 Dec. 2019 The Supreme Court long has recognized that privacy interests are heightened within the home, with precedents that limit police intrusions not only into structures but also the immediately surrounding property, known as the curtilage. Jess Bravin, WSJ, 29 May 2018
Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 2 Dec. 2019 The Supreme Court long has recognized that privacy interests are heightened within the home, with precedents that limit police intrusions not only into structures but also the immediately surrounding property, known as the curtilage. Jess Bravin, WSJ, 29 May 2018 Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French curtillage, from curtil garden, curtilage, from curt court
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Legal Definition
curtilage
noun
cur·ti·lage ˈkərt-ᵊl-ij
: the area surrounding and associated with a home
Note: The curtilage of a house is included in the Fourth Amendment prohibition on unreasonable searches and seizures.
curtilage
noun
as in yard
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- yard
- courtyard
- patio
- enclosure
- inclosure
- quadrangle
- court
- close
- plaza
- square
- quad
- forecourt
- peristyle
- atrium
- terrace
- parvis
- place
- deck
- galleria
- parvise