dam

1. Bank or barrier of earth, masonry, etc., built across a stream to obstruct its flow and raise its level, to form a reservoir, or to make water available to turn a mill-wheel, etc.

2. Causeway over swampy ground.

Female parent.

• d. line — characteristics contributed to the offspring of a cross mating by the dam.
• d.–offspring bond — the close relationship of seeking, suckling and protecting imprinted at birth by sight, taste and smell. Called also maternal bond.