bark1
n.
the sharp explosive cry of a dog, fox, or seal.
v.
- (of a dog, fox, or seal) give a bark.
- utter (a command or question) abruptly or aggressively.
▸US call out in order to sell or advertise something.
Phrase
- one's bark is worse than one's bite
one is not as ferocious as one seems. - be barking up the wrong tree
informal be pursuing a mistaken line of thought.
Etymology
OE beorc (n.), beorcan (v.), of Gmc origin.
bark2
n.
the tough protective outer sheath of the trunk, branches, and twigs of a tree or woody shrub.
v.
- strip the bark from.
- scrape the skin off (one's shin) by accidentally hitting it.
- tan or dye (leather or other materials) using the tannins found in bark.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: from ON bǫrkr; perh. rel. to birch.