(1):

(n.) The act of excavating, or of making hollow, by cutting, scooping, or digging out a part of a solid mass.

(2):

(n.) A cavity formed by cutting, digging, or scooping.

(3):

(n.) An uncovered cutting in the earth, in distinction from a covered cutting or tunnel.

(4):

(n.) The material dug out in making a channel or cavity.