dykdalb

== Swedish == === Alternative forms === (archaic) diktal, diktalb, duc d'albe === Etymology === Unknown origin. Possibly either: Borrowed from French duc d'Albe (“Duke of Alba”), referring to Fernando Álvarez de Toledo, 3rd Duke of Alba, who is said to have used them in the 16th century. However; according to SAOB this is a questionable claim, and the Nationalencyklopedin say it is folk etymological. Partial calque of Dutch dukdalf, compound of duiken (“dive”) +‎ dol (“pole”) By surface analysis, dyk (“dive”) +‎ dalb (–). First attested in 1791. Compare Danish duc d'albe and Dutch dukdalf. === Noun === dykdalb c (nautical) A dolphin; a structure for mooring boats or to protect other structures in ports and shipping lanes. (figurative) An anchor; a person who gives stability or security. Synonym: klippa === References === “dykdalb”, in Svenska Akademiens ordlista [Wordlist of the Swedish Academy] (in Swedish) “dykdalb”, in Svenska Akademiens ordbok [Dictionary of the Swedish Academy] (in Swedish) dykdalb in Svenskt nautiskt lexikon (1920)