The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Ditch \Ditch\ (?; 224), n.; pl. Ditches. [OE. dich, orig. the
   same word as dik. See Dike.]
   1. A trench made in the earth by digging, particularly a
      trench for draining wet land, for guarding or fencing
      inclosures, or for preventing an approach to a town or
      fortress. In the latter sense, it is called also a moat
      or a fosse.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Any long, narrow receptacle for water on the surface of
      the earth.
      [1913 Webster]