1. n. & v.
--n.
1. a barrier constructed to hold back water and raise its level, forming a reservoir or preventing flooding.
2 a barrier constructed in a stream by a beaver.
3 anything functioning as a dam does.
4 a causeway.
--v.tr. (dammed, damming)
1. furnish or confine with a dam.
2 (often foll. by up) block up; hold back; obstruct.
Etymology: ME f. MLG, MDu. 2. n. the female parent of an animal, esp. a four-footed one.
Etymology: ME: var. of DAME