puncheon Hear it!

puncheon¹ Definition

pun·cheon (pun′c̸hən)

noun

  1. a short, upright wooden post used in a framework
  2. ☆ a heavy, broad piece of roughly dressed timber with one side hewed flat
  3. any of various devices for punching, perforating, or stamping; esp., a figured die used by goldsmiths, etc.

Etymology: ME ponchon < MFr poinçon < VL *punctio < punctiare, to prick < L punctus, pp. of pungere, to prick: see point

puncheon² Definition

pun·cheon (pun′c̸hən)

noun

  1. a large cask of varying capacity (72-120 gal), for beer, wine, etc.
  2. as much as such a cask will hold

Etymology: LME pwncion < OFr poinçon, prob. < poinchon, var. of poçon, pot, small fluid measure, dim. of pot < VL potus: see pot

puncheon Usage Examples

Preposition: of

rum: He had a puncheon of rum for his body in case he should die during the voyage.

Converse of object

have: He had a puncheon of rum for his body in case he should die during the voyage.

Noun used with modifier

rum: Early storage tanks were rum puncheons or cisterns made of cedar.