from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Dam \Dam\, n. [Akin to OLG., D., & Dan. dam, G. & Sw. damm,
Icel. dammr, and AS. fordemman to stop up, Goth.
Fa['u]rdammjan.]
1. A barrier to prevent the flow of a liquid; esp., a bank of
earth, or wall of any kind, as of masonry or wood, built
across a water course, to confine and keep back flowing
water.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Metal.) A firebrick wall, or a stone, which forms the
front of the hearth of a blast furnace.
[1913 Webster]
{Dam plate} (Blast Furnace), an iron plate in front of the
dam, to strengthen it.
[1913 Webster]