/berrth/ , n.
1. a shelflike sleeping space, as on a ship, airplane, or railroad car.
2. Naut.
a. the space allotted to a vessel at anchor or at a wharf.
b. the distance maintained between a vessel and the shore, another vessel, or any object.
c. the position or rank of a ship's officer.
d. the cabin of a ship's officer.
3. a job; position.
4. a place, listing, or role: She clinched a berth on our tennis team.
5. give a wide berth to , to shun; remain discreetly away from: Since his riding accident, he has given a wide berth to skittish horses.
v.t.
6. Naut.
a. to allot to (a vessel) a certain space at which to anchor or tie up.
b. to bring to or install in a berth, anchorage, or moorage: The captain had to berth the ship without the aid of tugboats.
7. to provide with a sleeping space, as on a train.
v.i.
8. Naut. to come to a dock, anchorage, or moorage.
[ 1615-25; prob. BEAR 1 + -TH 1 ]
Syn. 4. spot, slot, position, post, niche, appointment.