n. & v.
n. 1 the sharp explosive cry of a dog, fox, etc. 2 a sound resembling this cry.
v. 1 intr. (of a dog, fox, etc.) give a bark. 2 tr. & intr. speak or utter sharply or brusquely. 3 intr. cough fiercely. 4 tr. US sell or advertise publicly by calling out. one's bark is worse than one's bite one is not as ferocious as one appears. bark up the wrong tree be on the wrong track; make an effort in the wrong direction.
[ OE beorcan ]