Noun
a temporary bridge for getting on and off a vessel at dockside
Source: WordNetI understand that one of the purposes of bipartisanship is to cram something difficult and necessary down the American people's gullets for which neither party has the fortitude to assume full responsibility. It's a way of turning a possible gangplank into a teeter-totter. James Wolcott
In July 1962, The New York Times published an editorial stating that "we do not believe the Republic would be in danger if yesterday's unforgotten little tramp were allowed to amble down the gangplank of a steamer or plane in an American port". Source: Internet
When a siege tower was near a wall, it would drop a gangplank between it and the wall. Source: Internet