deck

deck

deck¹ [dek]

n.

[prob. aphetic < MLowG verdeck (< ver-, FOR- + decken, to cover: see THATCH), transl. of It coperta, cover]

1. any extended horizontal structure in a ship or boat serving as a floor and structural support, and covering, partially or fully, the portion of the vessel that is lower than it is

2. any platform, floor, shelf, etc. suggestive of a ship's deck; specif.,

a) an outdoor wooden platform enclosed by a low railing

b) a platform used for viewing [an observation deck]

3. a section of tiered seating at a stadium [the upper deck]

4. a set of playing cards; pack

☆ 5. Slang a packet containing a narcotic, as heroin

6. TAPE DECK

vt.

☆ Slang to knock down; floor

to knock down; floor

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below decks

below the main deck

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clear the decks

1. to remove unnecessary things from the decks of a ship, as for combat

2. to get ready for action

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☆ hit the deck Slang

1. to get out of bed; get up

2. to get ready for action

3. to throw oneself to the floor, ground, etc., as to avoid injury

4. to be knocked down

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☆ on deck Informal

1. ready; on hand

2. waiting to take one's turn, as at batting in baseball

deck² [dek]

vt.

[MDu decken, to cover: see THATCH]

1. to cover or clothe with finery or ornaments; adorn; trim: often followed by out

2. to furnish (a ship, etc.) with a deck

3. Archaic to cover