Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Berm \Berm\ Berme \Berme\, n. [F. berme, of German origin; cf.
   G. brame, br["a]me, border, akin to E. brim.]
   1. (Fort.) A narrow shelf or path between the bottom of a
      parapet and the ditch.

   2. (Engineering) A ledge at the bottom of a bank or cutting,
      to catch earth that may roll down the slope, or to
      strengthen the bank.

Source : WordNet®

berm
     n 1: a narrow ledge or shelf typically at the top or bottom of a
          slope
     2: narrow edge of land (usually unpaved) along the side of a
        road [syn: {shoulder}]