a bank or elevation of sand, which the sea gathers and forms along its shores; and which serves it as a barrier. The word is formed from the French dune, of the Celtic dum, a "mountain." Charles de Visch, in his Compend. Chronolog. Exord. & Progress. Abbat. Clariff. B. Marie, de Duns, says, Vallem repert arenarum collios (quos incle Duynen vocant) undique cinetam.

Downs are particularly used for a famous road for ships, ships, along the eastern coast of the county of Kent, from Dover to the North Foreland; where both the outward and homeward-bound ships frequently make some stay; and squadrons of men of war rendezvous in time of war.

It affords excellent anchorage; and is defended by the castles of Deal, Dover, and Sandwich.