> As to definitions, I've not looked it up anywhere but my understanding > of > the word "wharf" is that it's place designed for ships or boats (of > any size > and kind) to load and unload.
I think this is one of many cases where English has two words with very similar meanings, from French and German. 'Wharf' comes from Old Low German (good thing there aren't many New Low Germans around these days) and means a section of strengthened bank - which is what canal wharfs are. 'Quay' is an anglicisation of the French 'quai' and the dictionary says it can be a section of strengthened bank or be built out into the water. My guess is that usage reflects the Norman Conquest - when ports were built in the Middle Ages, their structures were called 'quai' as the official language was French up to Agincourt, but the peasants continued to call vernacular structures 'wharf'. Nowadays I think 'quay' refers to sea harbours, 'wharf' to enclosed docks, rivers and canals - but it's 'Canary Wharf' facng 'West India Quay'!! 'Pier' originally referred to bridge-piers so transferred to sttuctures built with piers - does the ironically named Wigan Pier have piers? As Staffy will remind us, there are inland ports in the UK! > > Mike Stevens Sean
