Ex`ca*va"tion (?), n. [L. excavatio: cf. F. excavation.]
1.
The act of excavating, or of making hollow, by cutting, scooping, or digging out a part of a solid mass.
2.
A cavity formed by cutting, digging, or scooping.
"A winding
excavation."
Glover.
3. Engin. (a)
An uncovered cutting in the earth, in distinction from a covered cutting or tunnel.
(b)
The material dug out in making a channel or cavity.
The delivery of the excavations at a distance of 250 feet.
E. L. Corthell.
© Webster 1913.