from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Dock \Dock\, n. [Akin to D. dok; of uncertain origin; cf. LL.
doga ditch, L. doga ditch, L. doga sort of vessel, Gr. ?
receptacle, fr. ? to receive.]
1. An artificial basin or an inclosure in connection with a
harbor or river, -- used for the reception of vessels, and
provided with gates for keeping in or shutting out the
tide.
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2. The slip or water way extending between two piers or
projecting wharves, for the reception of ships; --
sometimes including the piers themselves; as, to be down
on the dock.
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3. The place in court where a criminal or accused person
stands.
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{Balance dock}, a kind of {floating dock} which is kept level
by pumping water out of, or letting it into, the
compartments of side chambers.
{Dry dock}, a dock from which the water may be shut or pumped
out, especially, one in the form of a chamber having walls
and floor, often of masonry and communicating with deep
water, but having appliances for excluding it; -- used in
constructing or repairing ships. The name includes
structures used for the examination, repairing, or
building of vessels, as graving docks, floating docks,
hydraulic docks, etc.
{Floating dock}, a dock which is made to become buoyant, and,
by floating, to lift a vessel out of water.
{Graving dock}, a dock for holding a ship for graving or
cleaning the bottom, etc.
{Hydraulic dock}, a dock in which a vessel is raised clear of
the water by hydraulic presses.
{Naval dock}, a dock connected with which are naval stores,
materials, and all conveniences for the construction and
repair of ships.
{Sectional dock}, a form of {floating dock} made in separate
sections or caissons.
{Slip dock}, a dock having a sloping floor that extends from
deep water to above high-water mark, and upon which is a
railway on which runs a cradle carrying the ship.
{Wet dock}, a dock where the water is shut in, and kept at a
given level, to facilitate the loading and unloading of
ships; -- also sometimes used as a place of safety; a
basin.
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