chock

[chok]

noun

1. a wedge or block of wood, metal, or the like, for filling in a space, holding an object steady, etc.

2. Nautical.

   1. any of various heavy metal fittings on a deck or wharf that serve as fairleads for cables or chains.

   2. a shaped support or cradle for a ship's boat, barrel, etc.

   3. a small wooden piece or timber for filling a gap, reinforcing an angle, etc., in a wooden vessel.

3. Metalworking.,  a bearing supporting the end of a rolling mill.

4. Mining.,  a roof support made of cribbing filled with stones.

verb (used with object)

1. to furnish with or secure by a chock or chocks.

2. Nautical.,  to place (a boat) upon chocks.

adverb

1. as close or tight as possible.

   chock against the edge.

chock

/ tʃɒk /

noun

1. a block or wedge of wood used to prevent the sliding or rolling of a heavy object

2. nautical

   1. a fairlead consisting of a ringlike device with an opening at the top through which a rope is placed

   2. a cradle-like support for a boat, barrel, etc

3. mountaineering See nut

verb

1. (usually foll by up) to cram full

   chocked up with newspapers

2. to fit with or secure by a chock

3. to support (a boat, barrel, etc) on chocks

adverb

1. as closely or tightly as possible

   chock against the wall

Word History and Origins

Origin of chock¹

Middle English < Anglo-French choque (compare modern Picard choke big log, Normandy dial. chouque ), Old French çoche ( French soche ); of uncertain origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of chock¹

C17: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to Old French çoche log; compare Provençal soca tree stump

Example Sentences

These range from the inferior to the dangerous, including toxic plastics, chemicals, and small parts that aren't properly attached "that can then pose a chocking hazard".

From BBC

It already bore the hallmarks of her best work: Rhythmically and lyrically dextrous, and chock full of personality.

From BBC

Authorities have created agreements with some mining giants to ensure that they power down their warehouses chock full of computers at times when the grid needs balancing.

From BBC

She sees her pieces less as images and more as objects, chock full of references from her upbringing in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and her daily life and work in L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

Why it’s good to binge now: I'm not saying this show will cure your oligarchy-based depression, but it will take you somewhere exponentially kinder, slower and chock full of canines.

From Salon

Related Words

• cluster 
• congest 
• congregate 
• deluge 
• flock 
• gather 
• huddle 
• overcrowd 
• pack 
• pile 
• squeeze 
• stream 
• swamp 
• swarm 
• throng