ROADSTEAD

roads, roadstead

(noun) a partly sheltered anchorage

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

roadstead (plural roadsteads)

(nautical) A partly-sheltered anchorage; a stretch of water near the shore where vessels may ride at anchor, but with less protection than a harbour.

Source: Wiktionary

Road"stead, n. Etym: [Road,4 + stead a place.]

Definition: An anchorage off shore. Same as Road, 4. Moored in the neighboring roadstead. Longfellow.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition