{ } n. [ F. berme, of German origin; cf. G. brame, bräme, border, akin to E. brim. ] 1. (Fort.) A narrow shelf or path between the bottom of a parapet and the ditch. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Engineering) A ledge at the bottom of a bank or cutting, to catch earth that may roll down the slope, or to strengthen the bank. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. OF. desmembrement, F. démembrement. ] The act of dismembering, or the state of being dismembered; cutting in piece; m&unr_;tilation; division; separation. [ 1913 Webster ]

The Castilians would doubtless have resented the dismemberment of the unwieldy body of which they formed the head. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ See Encumberment. ] Hindrance; molestation.[ Obs. ] Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. encombrement. ] Encumbrance. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Jabber. [ R. ] Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]