/trench/ , n.
1. Fort. a long, narrow excavation in the ground, the earth from which is thrown up in front to serve as a shelter from enemy fire or attack.
2. trenches , a system of such excavations, with their embankments, etc.
3. a deep furrow, ditch, or cut.
4. Oceanog. a long, steep-sided, narrow depression in the ocean floor.
v.t.
5. to surround or fortify with trenches; entrench.
6. to cut a trench in.
7. to set or place in a trench.
8. to form (a furrow, ditch, etc.) by cutting into or through something.
9. to make a cut in; cut into; carve.
v.i.
10. to dig a trench.
11. trench on or upon ,
a. to encroach or infringe on.
b. to come close to; verge on: His remarks were trenching on poor taste.
[ 1350-1400; ME trenche path made by cutting trenchier to cut trincare , for L truncare to lop; see TRUNCATE ]