scarp

Noun
Synonyms: escarpmentescarpprotective embankment

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

  1. a long steep slope or cliff at the edge of a plateau or ridge; usually formed by erosionSynonyms: escarpment
  2. a steep artificial slope in front of a fortificationSynonyms: escarpmentescarpprotective embankment
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Scarp \Scarp\, n. [OF. escharpe. See 2d Scarf.] (Her.) A band in the same position as the bend sinister, but only half as broad as the latter. [1913 Webster]
Scarp \Scarp\, n. [Aphetic form of Escarp.]

1.(Fort.) The slope of the ditch nearest the parapet; the escarp. [1913 Webster]

2.A steep descent or declivity. [1913 Webster]

Scarp \Scarp\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Scarped; p. pr. & vb. n. Scarping.] To cut down perpendicularly, or nearly so; as, to scarp the face of a ditch or a rock. [1913 Webster]

From scarped cliff and quarried stone. --Tennyson. [1913 Webster]

Sweep ruins from the scarped mountain. --Emerson. [1913 Webster]

Escarp \Es*carp"\, n. [F. escarpe (cf. Sp. escarpa, It. scarpa), fr. escarper to cut steep, cut to a slope, prob. of German origin: cf. G. scharf sharp,, E. sharp, or perh. scrape.] (Fort.) The side of the ditch next the parapet; -- same as scarp, and opposed to counterscarp. [1913 Webster]
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