/hwawrf, wawrf/ , n. , pl. wharves /hwawrvz, wawrvz/ , wharfs , v.
n.
1. a structure built on the shore of or projecting into a harbor, stream, etc., so that vessels may be moored alongside to load or unload or to lie at rest; quay; pier.
2. Obs.
a. a riverbank.
b. the shore of the sea.
v.t.
3. to provide with a wharf or wharves.
4. to place or store on a wharf: The schedule allowed little time to wharf the cargo.
5. to accommodate at or bring to a wharf: The new structure will wharf several vessels.
v.i.
6. to tie up at a wharf; dock: The ship wharfed in the early morning.
[ bef. 1050; ME (n.); OE hwearf embankment; c. MLG warf; akin to G Werf pier ]