What is the term for an excavation in the earth as a place for interment?

The term for an excavation in the earth used for interment is "grave." A grave typically refers to a dug-out space in the ground where a deceased body is laid to rest. It is often marked with a headstone or some other form of memorial, indicating the final resting place of an individual. This term is very specific and commonly understood in the context of burial practices.

While other terms may relate to burial sites, they have distinct meanings. A tomb generally refers to a larger structure or chamber above or below ground used for entombment, often designed to hold the remains of one or more individuals. A crypt is also a type of burial chamber, often associated with churches or cathedrals, where caskets are stored above ground, sometimes beneath the floor. A lot refers to a designated piece of land, but it does not specifically imply interment; instead, it can refer to various types of land parcels, including those for burials, but also for other uses, such as residential or commercial developments.

Thus, "grave" is the most accurate term among the options provided, as it directly identifies the specific act of interment in an excavation.