in the dock

phrase

: on trial

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of in the dock was in 1903

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Cite this Entry

“In the dock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20dock. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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