n. 1. Nautical A thick post on a ship or wharf, used for securing ropes and hawsers. 2. One of a series of posts preventing vehicles from entering an area. 3. A projecting bulge of snow or ice used as an anchor for a rope in mountaineering. [Middle English, probably from bole, tree trunk; see BOLE1.] (click for a larger image) bollard |
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