till·age \-lij, -lēj\noun (-s) Etymology: Middle English, from tilen, tillen to till + -age 1.: the operation, practice, or art of tilling land : the improving of land for agricultural purposes 2. a.: a place tilled or cultivated : cultivated land < forests have … given place to tillage and pasture — John Buchan > b.: crops growing on tilled ground • - in tillage