The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Virgate \Vir"gate\, a. [L. virgatus made of twigs, fr. virga a
   twig, rod. See Verge a rod.] (Bot.)
   Having the form of a straight rod; wand-shaped; straight and
   slender.
   [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Virgate \Vir"gate\, n. [LL. virgata, virgata terrae, so much
   land as virga terrae, a land measure, contains, fr. L. virga
   a twig, rod.]
   A yardland, or measure of land varying from fifteen to forty
   acres. [Obs.] --T. Warton.
   [1913 Webster]