desk / desk/ • n. a piece of furniture with a flat or sloped surface and typically with drawers, at which one can read, write, or do other work. ∎  Mus. a position in an orchestra at which two players share a music stand: an extra desk of first and second violins. ∎  a counter in a hotel, bank, or airport at which a customer may check in or obtain information: the reception desk. ∎  a specified section of a news organization, esp. a newspaper: he landed a job on the sports desk.

desk XIV. — medL. desca, prob. based on Pr. desc(a) basket or It. desco table, butcher's block :- L. discus quoit, DISH, DISC; cf. DAIS.