sealock

See also: Sealock

English

Etymology

From sea +‎ lock.

Noun

sealock (plural sealocks)

1. A lock that is positioned at the mouth of a canal or waterway so that, when the gates are closed, boats can be raised or lowered between the waterway and sea level.

   Synonym: tidal lock

   • 1809, Sir John Carr, Caledonian Sketches, Or, A Tour Through Scotland in 1807, page 224:

     At Corpach it is intended to form a sealock, to be cut out of the rock, and to make a small basin within it, capable of admitting a number of vessels with the flowing tide, which, after the gates are closed, may ascend the locks at leisure, […]

   • 1951, United States. Defense Mapping Agency. Hydrographic Center, Sailing Directions for the West Coast of Scotland: Mull of Galloway to Cape Wrath Including the Hebrides, page 127:

     All masters are prohibited from approaching the entrance to the sealocks when they observe a red flag flying […]

   • 2020, Clyde Cruising Club, Geoff Crowley, Firth of Clyde: Including Solway Firth and North Channel, page 77:

     Ardrishaig, situated about halfway up Loch Gilp on the west shore, marks the entrance to the Crinan Canal, which is entered through the sealock behind the breakwater.