DAM

('em, ordinary Hebrew word for "mother"): Hebrew law prohibited the destruction of the "dam" and the young of birds at the same time, commanding that if the young be taken from a nest the dam be allowed to escape (Deuteronomy 22:6-7). In the same spirit it enjoined the taking of an animal for slaughter before it had been seven days with its "dam" (Exodus 22:30; Leviticus 22:27; compare Exodus 23:19).

From the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Edited by James Orr, published in 1939 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.