ditch

n.; pl. Ditches [ OE. dich, orig. the same word as dik. See Dike. ] 1. A trench made in the earth by digging, particularly a trench for draining wet land, for guarding or fencing inclosures, or for preventing an approach to a town or fortress. In the latter sense, it is called also a moat or a fosse. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Any long, narrow receptacle for water on the surface of the earth. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Ditched p. pr. & vb. n. Ditching. ] 1. To dig a ditch or ditches in; to drain by a ditch or ditches; as, to ditch moist land. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To surround with a ditch. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To throw into a ditch; as, the engine was ditched and turned on its side. [ 1913 Webster ]