Milit., to cut down (a slope), so as to render it impassable.n. In fortification, the interior talus or slope of the ditch, next the place at the foot of the rampart; hence, any sharp, steep slope. See cut under parapet.n. Same as escarpment, 2.n. A shoulder-belt or scarf: the word is found only in the Middle English form sharpe, and in the heraldic use (def. 2): otherwise in the later form scarf. See scarf.n. In heraldry, a diminutive of the bend sinister, having one half its breadth.