Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Escarpment \Es*carp"ment\, n. [Cf. F. escarpement.]
   A steep descent or declivity; steep face or edge of a ridge;
   ground about a fortified place, cut away nearly vertically to
   prevent hostile approach. See {Scarp}.

Source : WordNet®

escarpment
     n 1: a long steep slope or cliff at the edge of a plateau or
          ridge; usually formed by erosion [syn: {scarp}]
     2: a steep artificial slope in front of a fortification [syn: {escarp},
         {scarp}, {protective embankment}]