what does the word "bark" mean in poetic terms?

Answer 1

Look at #2 of the definition.

Main Entry:1bark
Pronunciation:*b*rk
Function:verb
Etymology:Middle English berken, from Old English beorcan; akin to Old Norse berkja to bark, Lithuanian burg-ti to growl
Date:before 12th century

intransitive senses
1 a : to make the characteristic short loud cry of a dog b : to make a noise resembling a bark
2 : to speak in a curt loud and usually angry tone : SNAP
transitive senses
1 : to utter in a curt loud usually angry tone
2 : to advertise by persistent outcry *barking their wares*
–bark up the wrong tree : to proceed under a misapprehension; also : to misdirect one's efforts

Answer 2

Depends on context of course. A bark may be a ship or a boat. It comes from a Latin root. I do not know the Latin word but in Spanish it is barco. Spanish is derived from Latin.