(1):
(n.) The act of excavating, or of making hollow, by cutting, scooping, or digging out a part of a solid mass.
(2):
(n.) A cavity formed by cutting, digging, or scooping.
(3):
(n.) An uncovered cutting in the earth, in distinction from a covered cutting or tunnel.
(4):
(n.) The material dug out in making a channel or cavity.