I. ˈkē, ˈk(w)ā noun
( -s )
Etymology: alteration (influenced by French quai quay, from Old French cai ) of earlier key, from Middle English, from Middle French cai, from Old French, of Celtic origin; akin to Cornish kē hedge, fence — more at hedge
: a stretch of paved and strengthened bank or a solid artificial landing place (as of stone) made along or parallel to the side of a navigable water for convenience in loading and unloading ships
Synonyms: see wharf
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to furnish with a quay