n. [ F. escarpe (cf. Sp. escarpa, It. scarpa), fr. escarper to cut steep, cut to a slope, prob. of German origin: cf. G. scharf sharp, E. sharp, or perh. scrape. ] (Fort.) The side of the ditch next the parapet; -- same as
v. t.
n. [ Cf. F. escarpement. ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ]