fender pile

American  

noun

1. a pile, usually one of a group, set beside ferry slips, wharves, etc., to guide approaching vessels and driven so as to yield slightly when struck in order to lessen the shock of contact.

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fender pile British  

noun

1. an upright, usually freestanding, pile driven into the sea bed or a riverbed beside a berth to protect the dock wall or wharf from the impact of vessels

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Etymology

Origin of fender pile

First recorded in 1730–40