n. & v.
n. 1 a V-shaped indentation on an edge or surface. 2 a nick made on a stick etc. in order to keep count. 3 colloq. a step or degree (move up a notch). 4 US a deep gorge.
v.tr. 1 make notches in. 2 (foll. by up) record or score with or as with notches. 3 secure or insert by notches. notched adj. notcher n. notchy adj. (notchier, notchiest).
[ AF noche perh. f. a verbal form nocher (unrecorded), of uncert. orig. ]