The surface soil that must be moved away to get at coal seams and mineral deposits.

ETYM Cf. Old Fren. espoille, Latin spolium.
1. The act of stripping and taking by force; SYN. spoliation, spoilation, despoliation, despoilment.
2. The act of spoiling; SYN. spoiling, spoilage.
3. (Usually plural) Valuables taken by violence (especially in war).

ETYM From an assumed Old French dim. of robe See Rubbish.
1. A mass of rough stones or fragments of concrete, usually resulting from a demolition.
2. Rough stone as it comes from the quarry.
3. Water-worn or rough broken stones; broken bricks, etc., used in coarse masonry, or to fill up between the facing courses of walls.