GRAVING DOCK, a narrow basin, closed by gates or by a caisson, in which a vessel may be placed and from which the water may be pumped or let out, leaving the vessel supported on blocks. In this way the ship is left dry and accessible for the purposes of examination, cleaning and repairs of the under water parts of the hull. In British ports the term "dry dock" is more often used than graving dock. The word "graving" was originally used to denote the cleaning of a ship's bottom by means of scraping or burning and coating with tar. (See DocKs.) (N. G. G.)