Dictionary entry

Dam (3)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Dam, v. t. [imp. & p. p.Dammed (dămd); p. pr. & vb. n.Damming.] 1. To obstruct or restrain the flow of, by a dam; to confine by constructing a dam, as a stream of water; — generally used with in or up.

I'll have the current in this place dammed up. Shak.

A weight of earth that dams in the water. Mortimer.

2. To shut up; to stop up; to close; to restrain.

The strait pass was dammed

With dead men hurt behind, and cowards. Shak.

To dam out, to keep out by means of a dam.