1. n. & v.
--n.
1. an artificially enclosed body of water for the loading, unloading, and repair of ships.
2 (in pl.) a range of docks with wharves and offices; a dockyard.
3 US a ship's berth, a wharf.
4 dry dock.
5 Theatr. scene-dock.
--v.
1. tr. & intr. bring or come into a dock.
2 a tr. join (spacecraft) together in space. b intr. (of spacecraft) be joined.
3 tr. provide with a dock or docks.
Phrases and idioms:
dock-glass a large glass for wine-tasting. in dock Brit. colloq. in hospital or (of a vehicle) laid up for repairs.
Etymology: MDu. docke, of unkn. orig. 2. n. the enclosure in a criminal court for the accused.
Phrases and idioms:
dock brief a brief handed direct to a barrister selected by a prisoner in the dock. in the dock on trial.
Etymology: 16th c.: prob. orig. cant Flem. dok cage, of unkn. orig. 3. n. any weed of the genus Rumex, with broad leaves.
Etymology: OE docce 4. v. & n.
--v.tr.
1. a cut short (an animal's tail). b cut short the tail of (an animal).
2 a (often foll. by from) deduct (a part) from wages, supplies, etc. b reduce (wages etc.) in this way.
--n.
1. the solid bony part of an animal's tail.
2 the crupper of a saddle or harness.
Phrases and idioms:
dock-tailed having a docked tail.
Etymology: ME, of uncert. orig.