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.
Etymology: It. scarpa