from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Dock \Dock\ (d[o^]k), n. [AS. docce; of uncertain origin; cf. G.
docken-bl[aum]tter, Gael. dogha burdock, OF. doque; perh.
akin to L. daucus, daucum, Gr. ?, ?, a kind of parsnip or
carrot, used in medicine. Cf. {Burdock}.] (Bot.)
A genus of plants ({Rumex}), some species of which are
well-known weeds which have a long taproot and are difficult
of extermination.
[1913 Webster]
Note: Yellow dock is {Rumex crispus}, with smooth curly
leaves and yellow root, which that of other species is
used medicinally as an astringent and tonic.
[1913 Webster]