Balance dock

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. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

3. The place in court where a criminal or accused person stands. [1913 Webster]

{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. [1913 Webster]