\Earth"work`\, n.
1. (Mil.) Any construction, whether a temporary breastwork or
   permanent fortification, for attack or defense, the
   material of which is chiefly earth.

2. (Engin.)
   (a) The operation connected with excavations and
       embankments of earth in preparing foundations of
       buildings, in constructing canals, railroads, etc.
   (b) An embankment or construction made of earth.