earthwork

n. 1. (Mil.) Any construction, whether a temporary breastwork or permanent fortification, for attack or defense, the material of which is chiefly earth. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Engin.) (a) The operation connected with excavations and embankments of earth in preparing foundations of buildings, in constructing canals, railroads, etc. (b) An embankment or construction made of earth. [ 1913 Webster ]