a buffer let down between the side of a
vessel and an approached
dock or other
hard object such as another
ship. They are traditionally made from granulated cork stuffed into
canvas bags. They may take varied shapes and forms, such as
plastic bumpers and
old car tires.
any one of the metal
frames over the wheels of an automobile or other vehicle to protect against splashing
mud, etc.
a pad or a bundle of
rope hung over a
vessel's side to
prevent damage when alongside a wharf or another
vessel.