bollard/ˈbɒləɹd/EtymologyFrom Middle English bollard, probably from Middle English bole (“tree trunk”), from Old Norse bolr (“stump, trunk”), equivalent to bole + -ard (pejorative or diminutive suffix).nounA strong vertical post of timber or iron, fixed to a wharf, dock, or the deck of a ship, to which the ship's mooring lines or towlines are secured.“Near-synonym: towing bitt (often coinstantial)”A similar post preventing vehicle access to a pedestrian area, to delineate traffic lanes, or used for security purposes.