Definition of: berm

(bûrm) noun
1. The bank of a canal opposite the towpath.
2. A horizontal ledge part way up a slope; bench.
3. A ledge dug near the top of a trench to support beams and prevent caving in of the sides.
4. A narrow, level ledge at the outside foot of a parapet, to retain material which might otherwise fall from the slope into the moat.
5. The outside or downhill side of a ditch or trench. For illustration see BASTION. Also berme. [<F berme]