delf \ˈdelf\noun alsodelft\-lft\; ordelph\-lf\ (-s) Etymology: Middle English delf, from Old English gedelf, from delfan to dig — more at delve 1. a.now dialect England: excavation; usually: mine, quarry b.: pond; also: drain, ditch 2.: a square heraldic bearing used as an abatement and supposed to represent a square sod