water-dam

_Cajetan: _ Just as he who removes an obstacle is the occasion of the resulting effect -- a man, for instance, who pulls down a pillar is the occasion of the resulting fall of what it supported, and a man who removes a water-dam is the occasion of the consequent flood -- so in the same way have women and simple folk a cause of devotion within themselves, for they have not that obstacle which consists in self-confidence.

On Prayer and The Contemplative Life Aquinas Thomas 1907

"Yes, we're goin 'to Nevady, down whar they're buildin' a big water-dam.

David Lannarck, Midget An Adventure Story George S. Harney