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puncheon

 - 5 dictionary results

pun⋅cheon

1  [puhn-chuhn]
Use puncheon in a Sentence
–noun
1. a large cask of varying capacity, but usually 80 gallons (304 l).
2. the volume of such a cask, used as a measure.
Origin:
1425–75; ME ponchoun, punchon < MF ponçon, perh. to be identified with puncheon 2

pun⋅cheon

2  [puhn-chuhn]
–noun
1. a heavy slab of timber, roughly dressed, for use as a floorboard.
2. a short, upright framing timber.
3. (in goldsmith work)
a. any of various pointed instruments; a punch.
b. a stamping tool.
Origin:
1325–75; ME ponson, punçon, ponchoun < MF ponçon < L pūnctiōn- (s. of pūnctiō) a pricking, hence, pricking tool, equiv. to pūnct(us) (ptp. of pungere to prick; cf. point ) + -iōn- -ion
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To puncheon
pun·cheon 1   (pŭn'chən)   
n.  

  1. A short wooden upright used in structural framing.

  2. A piece of broad, heavy, roughly dressed timber with one face finished flat.

  3. A punching, perforating, or stamping tool, especially one used by a goldsmith.


[Middle English punchon, from Old French ponçon, ponchon, from Vulgar Latin *pūnctiō, pūnctiōn-, punch, from *pūnctiāre, to pierce, from Latin pūnctus, past participle of pungere, to prick; see peuk- in Indo-European roots.]
pun·cheon 2   (pŭn'chən)   
n.  

  1. A cask with a capacity of from 72 to 120 gallons (273 to 454 liters).

  2. The amount of liquid contained in a puncheon.


[Middle English ponchon, from Old French poinçon, poinchon, punch, cask (probably because the casks were inspected and marked with a punch); see puncheon1.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

puncheon 
"cask for liquor," 1479, from M.Fr. poinchon (13c.), of unknown origin. Uncertain connection with puncheon "slab of timber" (1466), also "pointed tool for punching" (see punch (n.1)).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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