n. The washing out or away of earth, etc., especially of a portion of the bed of a road or railroad by a fall of rain or a freshet; also, a place, especially in the bed of a road or railroad, where the earth has been washed away.n. a complete failure; -- of an enterprise.n. a person who has failed a course of study or training, leaving the program before its completion.v. to be removed by washing; -- of spots and stains, especially on clothing.v. to be removed, broken, or destroyed by the action of flowing water.v. to fail in a course of study or training, especially to leave before completion of the course.