escarp

[ ih-skahrp ]

/ ɪˈskɑrp /

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Definition of escarp

noun

Fortification. the inner slope or wall of the ditch surrounding a rampart.

any similar steep slope.

verb (used with object)

to make into an escarp; give a steep slope to; furnish with escarps.

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Origin of escarp

1680–90; <French, Middle French escarpe<Italian scarpa<Germanic; see scarp

Words nearby escarp

escapist, escapologist, escapology, escargot, escarole, escarp, escarpment, Escaut, -esce, -escence, -escent

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use escarp in a sentence

Cest une vieille ville du moyen ge, ville de dfense et de refuge, pose sur un plateau escarp, do toute la valle se dcouvre.
The Story of Perugia|Margaret Symonds
The line of the escarp is called the magistral line since it regulates the trace.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 6|Various
By making the crest of the parapet quite independent of the escarp line he obtained great freedom of direction for his fire.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 6|Various
The ditch has escarp and counterscarp, and is defended by counterscarp galleries at the angles.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 6|Various

There is no escarp, the natural slope of the rampart being carried down to the bottom of the ditch.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 6|Various

British Dictionary definitions for escarp

escarp

/ (ɪˈskɑːp) /

noun

fortifications the inner side of the ditch separating besiegers and besiegedCompare counterscarp

verb

a rare word for scarp (def. 3)

Word Origin for escarp

C17: from French escarpe; see scarp

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012