A
terp, also known as a
wierde, woerd, warf, warft, werf, wurt or
værft, is an artificial dwelling
mound found on the
North European Plain that has been created to provide safe ground during
storm surges,
high tides and sea or river
flooding. The various terms used reflect the regional dialects of the North European region. In English sources,
terp appears to be by far the most common term used.