DCHP-1 Online
Banks 
1 n. pl. one of the more elevated portions of the submerged plateau lying off the Atlantic coast of Canada.
See also: bank ((1)) ((n.)) (def. 1)
- 1952 The "Banks" are the more elevated portions of this submerged plateau; the most noted of these, the "Grand Banks," lying southeast of Newfoundland, have an area as great as that of the island itself.
2 n. the extensive shoals, or bank (def. 1) lying southeast of Newfoundland, famous as cod-fishing grounds.
See also: bank ((1)) ((n.)) (def. 1) Grand Banks
- 1622 To which Banke our Nation may doe great good in fishing, such as will sail from New-found-land in the latter part of the Summer, when the fish begins to draw from that coast.
- 1954 While a few "bankers" of Newfoundland ownership operated on the Banks, all landings were made in Nova Scotia ports.
- 1952 The "Banks" are the more elevated portions of this submerged plateau; the most noted of these, the "Grand Banks," lying southeast of Newfoundland, have an area as great as that of the island itself.