1. 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.
Phrases and idioms:
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.
Etymology: OE beorcan 2. n. & v.
--n.
1. the tough protective outer sheath of the trunks, branches, and twigs of trees or woody shrubs.
2 this material used for tanning leather or dyeing material.
--v.tr.
1. graze or scrape (one's shin etc.).
2 strip bark from (a tree etc.).
3 tan or dye (leather etc.) using the tannins found in bark.
Etymology: ME f. OIcel. b{ouml}rkr bark-: perh. rel. to BIRCH 3. n. poet. a ship or boat.
Etymology: BARQUE