bollard

American  

[bol-erd] / ˈbɒl ərd /

noun

1. Nautical.

   1. a thick, low post, usually of iron or steel, mounted on a wharf or the like, to which mooring lines from vessels are attached.

   2. a small post to which lines are attached.

   3. bitt.

2. British. one of a series of short posts for excluding or diverting motor vehicles from a road, lawn, or the like.

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bollard British  

/ ˈbɒlɑːd, ˈbɒləd /

noun

1. a strong wooden or metal post mounted on a wharf, quay, etc, used for securing mooring lines

2. a small post or marker placed on a kerb or traffic island to make it conspicuous to motorists

3. mountaineering an outcrop of rock or pillar of ice that may be used to belay a rope

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Etymology

Origin of bollard

First recorded in 1835–45; bole ¹ + -ard

Explanation

A bollard is a short post, especially one used for mooring a boat. If you visit a working harbor, you'll see many bollards. Bollards are known for being especially sturdy, strong enough that a boat securely moored there can't be blown or tossed around. Some ships also have bollards on board, for wrapping and storing unused rope. Posts used to control automobile traffic are sometimes also called bollards. The root is thought to be the Old Norse bolr, "tree trunk."