dock
UK: dɒk | US: dɑːk
n. 1. A structure extending alongshore or into water for loading/unloading ships.
n. 2. The area in a courtroom where the defendant stands.
vt. 1. To bring (a ship) into a dock.
vt. 2. To deduct (wages) as a penalty.
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"Dock" traces back to Middle English dokke, likely borrowed from Middle Dutch docke (meaning "enclosed space"). Its nautical sense emerged in the 16th century, while the legal usage (defendant's space) metaphorically extended from the idea of confinement. The verb form ("to deduct") derives from 19th-century slang, likening wage cuts to "tying up" earnings.
The cargo ship slowly entered the dock at sunrise.
The judge ordered the accused to stand in the dock.
Workers docked the vessel securely to avoid drifting.
My paycheck was docked for arriving late.
The old dock creaked under the weight of the fishing boats.