Ditch (?; 224), 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.
2.
Any long, narrow receptacle for water on the surface of the earth.
© Webster 1913.
Ditch, 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.
2.
To surround with a ditch.
Shak.
3.
To throw into a ditch; as, the engine was ditched and turned on its side.
© Webster 1913.
Ditch, v. i.
To dig a ditch or ditches.
Swift.
© Webster 1913.