I. ˈbərth noun
Etymology: Middle English birth, probably from beren to bear + -th
Date: 15th century
1.
a. : sufficient distance for maneuvering a ship
b. : an amount of distance maintained for safety
give the fire a wide berth
2.
a. : the place where a ship lies when at anchor or at a wharf
b. : a space for an automotive vehicle at rest
a truck-loading berth
3. : a place to sit or sleep especially on a ship or vehicle : accommodation
4.
a. : a billet on a ship
b. : job , position , place
a starting berth on the team
II. verb
Date: 1667
transitive verb
1. : to bring into a berth
2. : to allot a berth to
intransitive verb
: to come into a berth