/
ˈkeɪs(ə)n,
kəˈsuːn/
n.
- a large watertight chamber in which underwater construction work may be carried out.
- a vessel or watertight structure used as a gate across the entrance of a dry dock or basin.
Etymology
C17: from Fr., lit. ‘large chest’, from Ital. cassone, the spelling alt. in Fr. by assoc. with caisse ‘case’.