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. give a wide berth to stay away from.
[ prob. f. naut. use of BEAR(1) + -TH(2) ]