stope

Etymology
Apparently related to, but with uncertain phonological development. Perhaps from a word like, from. More at.

Noun

 * 1) A mining excavation in the form of a terrace of steps.

Verb

 * 1)  To excavate in the form of stopes.
 * 2)  To fill in with rubbish, as a space from which the ore has been worked out.

Etymology
From, from.

Noun

 * 1) tow
 * 2) oakum