mooring buoy

noun

1. 1. a floating object anchored in a lake, river, etc. to mark a channel, warn of a hazard, etc., variously shaped and colored, and often equipped with a bell or light
   2. a similar but larger and heavier object, usually with a ring on top, to which a ship can be moored
      in full mooring buoy
2. life buoy

Origin: ME < (? via MDu boeie) OFr buie, chain < L boia, fetter (see boy): prob. first applied to the chain anchoring the float

transitive verb

1. to mark or provide with a buoy
2. to keep afloat: usually with up
3. to lift up or keep up in spirits; encourage: usually with up

Origin: < Sp boyar, to float