n. & v.
--n.
1. a V-shaped indentation on an edge or surface.
2 a nick made on a stick etc. in order to keep count.
3 colloq. a step or degree (move up a notch).
4 US a deep gorge.
--v.tr.
1. make notches in.
2 (foll. by up) record or score with or as with notches.
3 secure or insert by notches.
Derivatives:
notched adj. notcher n. notchy adj. (notchier, notchiest).
Etymology: AF noche perh. f. a verbal form nocher (unrecorded), of uncert. orig.