n. & v.
—n.
1 the sharp explosive cry of a dog, fox, etc.
2 a sound resembling this cry.
—v.
1 intr. (of a dog, fox, etc.) give a bark.
2 tr. & intr. speak or utter sharply or brusquely.
3 intr. cough fiercely.
4 tr. US sell or advertise publicly by calling out.
Phrases and idioms:
one's bark is worse than one's bite one is not as ferocious as one appears. bark up the wrong tree be on the wrong track; make an effort in the wrong direction.
Etymology: OE beorcan
2.
n. & v.
—n.
1 the tough protective outer sheath of the trunks, branches, and twigs of trees or woody shrubs.
2 this material used for tanning leather or dyeing material.
—v.tr.
1 graze or scrape (one's shin etc.).
2 strip bark from (a tree etc.).
3 tan or dye (leather etc.) using the tannins found in bark.
Etymology: ME f. OIcel. boumlrkr bark-: perh. rel. to BIRCH
3.
n. poet. a ship or boat.
Etymology: = BARQUE
Useful english dictionary. 2012.