dock

Overview

Meaning Now

• A structure extending from a shore into a body of water, used for loading/unloading ships or as a landing place.
• The area in a courtroom where the accused person sits or stands during a trial.
• A plant of the genus Rumex, typically having long leaves and dock-like appearance.

Journey

The term 'dock' in the sense of a courtroom originated in England during the 17th century, where the fenced-off area for the accused reminded observers of the enclosed pens used to contain cargo or livestock at shipping docks.

Evolution

1. 14th century Middle English

   dokke

   “a hollow or enclosed area”

   First recorded in the sense of a nautical basin.

2. 16th century English

   dock

   “enclosed space for ships”

   Consolidation of the spelling.

3. 17th century English

   dock

   “courtroom prisoner area”

   Borrowed from the nautical sense of an enclosed space.

Connections

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