bench cut
n.—Gloss: A terraced or step-like cut in soil, stone, wood, or other material. «Volunteers will learn how to decrease erosion on slopes by a method called “bench cutting.” They will then make some bench cuts on local trails.» —“Volunteers needed to help maintain trails at Gunpowder Falls park” North County News (Baltimore County, Maryland) Sept. 8, 2009. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
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