n. & v.
n. 1 the inner wall or slope of a ditch in a fortification (cf. COUNTERSCARP). 2 a steep slope.
v.tr. 1 make (a slope) perpendicular or steep. 2 provide (a ditch) with a steep scarp and counterscarp. 3 (as scarped adj.) (of a hillside etc.) steep; precipitous.
[ It. scarpa ]