bollard etymology

Etymology

The word "bollard" derives from the Middle English word "bolle," meaning "a round object" or "a swelling." It is related to the Old Norse word "bolli," also meaning "a ball," and the Proto-Germanic word "balluz," which is the root of the English word "ball."

Meaning and Origin

A bollard is a short, sturdy post or upright fixture made of metal, wood, or concrete. It is commonly used in marine settings to secure boats and ships. Bollards are also found in other areas, such as parking lots and pedestrian walkways, where they serve as barriers or to prevent vehicles from passing through.

The first bollards were likely used in ancient times to tie up boats. They have since become an essential part of maritime infrastructure, providing a safe and secure way to moor vessels. Bollards can vary in size and shape, but they typically consist of a cylindrical or conical base with a rounded top. They may also have a chain or rope attached to them for securing boats.

Other Meanings of Bollard

Besides its primary use in marine settings, the term "bollard" can also refer to:

• A rounded or swollen part of a plant or animal
• A small, round or cylindrical object, such as a ball bearing or a bobbin
• A type of street lamp that is mounted on a bollard
• A person who is considered to be dull or unintelligent

bollard relate terms

• bole

  Etymology and Origin The word bole is derived from the Middle English word bole whi

• bastard

  Etymology The word bastard originates from the Middle English bastard which itself

• coward

  Etymology of Coward Old English cweorn pronounced kwurn Middle English coward P

• buzzard

  Etymology The word buzzard is derived from the Middle English word busard which is

• dock

  Etymology of Dock The word dock has several etymological origins Anglo Saxon do

• pier

  Etymology The word pier has its roots in several languages Old English pere mean

• ripe

  Etymology The word ripe comes from the Old English word rīpe which is derived from

• wharf

  Etymology The word wharf comes from the Middle English word warf which in turn is de

• post

  Etymology From Middle English post from Anglo Norman and Old French post from Latin p

• spot

  Etymology The word spot traces its origins back to Old English OE specifically to t

• stop

  Etymology The word stop comes from the Middle English word stoppen which itself deri

• deliver

  Etymology Latin deferre to bear away bring down Proto Indo European dʰer to

• Caucasian

  Etymology Caucasus Derived from the ancient Greek Kaukasos the name of a mountain r

• cereal

  Etymology The word cereal is derived from the Latin word Ceres the Roman goddess of