spoil bank

noun

1. a bank of excavated refuse or waste earth, as of shale from surface coal mining.

Word History and Origins

Origin of spoil bank¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

The excavated material amounted to about 34,000 cu. m., and, of this quantity, 31,500 cu. m. were used to form the embankment; the 508remainder was taken to a spoil bank immediately adjoining, the black earth stripping being separated and reserved for covering the reservoir, etc.

From Project Gutenberg

In both instances the material was deposited at a distance of 1640 ft. from the river, the spoil bank varying in depth from 2 to 7 metres.

From Project Gutenberg

The stone for the concrete was obtained from the spoil bank of the canal, loaded into wheelbarrows and wheeled about 100 ft. to the crusher; some was hauled in wagons.

From Project Gutenberg

I dunno where you got it, o’ course; but if it came from the spoil bank of that old mine, it just proves what I thought.”

From Project Gutenberg

The fight had raged down the spoil bank, and he glanced around and saw the leader clawing his way up the bank.

From Project Gutenberg