n. & v.
--n.
1. a fixed bunk on a ship, train, etc., for sleeping in.
2 a ship's place at a wharf.
3 room for a ship to swing at anchor.
4 adequate sea room.
5 colloq. a situation or appointment.
6 the proper place for anything.
--v.
1. tr. moor (a ship) in its berth.
2 tr. provide a sleeping place for.
3 intr. (of a ship) come to its mooring-place.
Phrases and idioms:
give a wide berth to stay away from.
Etymology: prob. f. naut. use of BEAR(1) + -TH(2)