noun
dock
An enclosure for the accused in a courtroom.
The defendant stands in the dock as the judge enters.
Etymology
The Dutch word names an enclosure. English courtroom use applies that bounded-space idea to the place set apart for the accused person.
More examples
- A guard escorts the accused into the dock.
- From the dock, she can see the jury.
- The dock remains empty until the defendant arrives.
Forms
dock · docks