Emily Dickinson Lexicon

NOTCH, n. [qu. G. knicken, to crack or flaw, Dan. knikker. It seems to be the same word in origin as niche, nick. Class Ng, No. 49.]

1. A hollow cut in any thing; a nick; an indentation. And on the stick ten equal notches makes. – Swift.
2. An opening or narrow passage through a mountain or hill. We say the notch of a mountain. – United States.