from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Dam \Dam\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Dammed} (d[a^]md); 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.
[1913 Webster]
I'll have the current in this place dammed up.
--Shak.
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A weight of earth that dams in the water.
--Mortimer.
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2. To shut up; to stop up; to close; to restrain.
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The strait pass was dammed
With dead men hurt behind, and cowards. --Shak.
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{To dam out}, to keep out by means of a dam.
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