A structure or platform of timber, masonry, iron, earth, or other material, built on the shore of a harbor, river, canal, or the like, and usually extending from the shore to deep water, so that vessels may lie close alongside to receive and discharge cargo, passengers, etc.; a quay; a pier. "Commerce pushes its wharves into the sea." "Out upon the wharfs they came, Knight and burgher, lord and dame." Note: The plural of this word is generally written wharves in the United States, and wharfs in England; but many recent English writers use wharves.
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