[dock] n [ME, fr. OE docce; akin to MD docke dock] (bef. 12c) 1: any of a genus (Rumex) of the buckwheat family of coarse weedy plants that have long taproots and are sometimes used as potherbs
2: any of several usu. broad-leaved weedy plants
[2]dock n [ME dok, perh. fr. OE -docca (as in fingirdocca finger muscle); akin to OHG tocka doll, ON dokka bundle] (14c) 1: the solid part of an animal's tail as distinguished from the hair
2: the part of an animal's tail left after it has been shortened [3]dock vt (14c) 1 a: to cut off the end of a body part of; specif: to remove part of the tail of b: to cut (as ears or a tail) short
2. a: to take away a part of: abridge b: to subject (as wages) to a deduction c: to penalize by depriving of a benefit ordinarily due; esp: to fine by a deduction of wages "~ed him for tardiness" [4]dock n [ME dokke, prob. fr. MD docke] (15c) 1: a usu. artificial basin or enclosure for the reception of ships that is equipped with means for controlling the water height
2: the waterway extending between two piers for the reception of ships
3: a place (as a wharf or platform) for the loading or unloading of materials [5]dock vt (1600) 1: to haul or guide into a dock
2: to join (as two spacecraft) mechanically while in space ~ vi 1: to come into dock
2: to become docked [6]dock n [Flem docke cage] (1586): the place in a criminal court where a prisoner stands or sits during trial -- in the dock : on trial