\Dock\ (d[o^]k), n. [AS. docce; of uncertain origin; cf. G.
docken-bl["a]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.
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.

\Dock\, n. [Cf. Icel. dockr a short tail, Fries. dok a
little bundle or bunch, G. docke bundle, skein, a short and
thick column.]
1. The solid part of an animal's tail, as distinguished from
   the hair; the stump of a tail; the part of a tail left
   after clipping or cutting. --Grew.
2. A case of leather to cover the clipped or cut tail of a
   horse.

\Dock\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Docked}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Docking}.] [See {Dock} a tail. Cf. W. tociaw, and twciaw, to
dock, clip.]
1. to cut off, as the end of a thing; to curtail; to cut
   short; to clip; as, to dock the tail of a horse.
         His top was docked like a priest biforn. -- Chaucer.
2. To cut off a part from; to shorten; to deduct from; to
   subject to a deduction; as, to dock one's wages.
3. To cut off, bar, or destroy; as, to dock an entail.

\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.
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.
3. The place in court where a criminal or accused person
   stands.
{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.

\Dock\, v. t.
To draw, law, or place (a ship) in a dock, for repairing,
cleaning the bottom, etc.