puncheon Hear it!

puncheon1 definition

pun·cheon (punc̸hən)

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 (punc̸hən)

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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Comments
Improve this definition.
Do you have more to add? Share your linguistic knowledge or observation.
/Register to save your comments.