escarpment Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a long steep slope or cliff at the edge of a plateau or ridge; usually formed by erosion
    scarp.
  2. noun a steep artificial slope in front of a fortification
    scarp; escarp; protective embankment.

WordNet

Es*carp"ment noun
Etymology
Cf. F. escarpement.
Definitions
  1. A steep descent or declivity; steep face or edge of a ridge; ground about a fortified place, cut away nearly vertically to prevent hostile approach. See Scarp.

Webster 1913