Reported partners of locks and docks (5)
I believe the answer is:
quays
'docks' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
I don't understand the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for quays that I've seen before include "Docks, wharfs" , "Where ships unload" , "where vessels are unloaded" , "Landing stages" , "Wharves" .)