s.w. dial. Also 9 fell. [f. vell, southwestern dialect var. FELL sb.1] trans. To strip (land) of turf by means of a skimming-plough. Also Velled ppl. a., Velling vbl. sb.
1674. Ray, S. & E. C. Words, 78. Velling, Plowing up the turf or upper surface of the ground, to lay on heaps to burn. West-countrey. [Hence in Phillips (1706), etc.]
1796. W. H. Marshall, Rur. Econ. W. Devon., I. 143. For velling, the share is made wide, with the angle or outer point of the wing or fin turned upward, to separate the turf entirely from the soil. Ibid., W. England, II. 8. A considerable portion of the country is now set with roof heaps of Lime, and with velled Beat, now burning. Ibid., 47. Grass Inclosures velled for Wheat.
1837. J. F. Palmer, Devonsh. Dial., Gloss. 38. The balk or narrow slip which is left in velling the land.
1871. J. Couch, Hist. Polperro, 118. If an old grass field with a thick face is to be taken into culture, the skimming plough is used, and the process is called ‘felling.’
