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Webster 1913 Edition


Puncheon

Punch′eon

,
Noun.
[F.
poinçon
awl, bodkin, crown, king-post, fr. L.
punctio
a pricking, fr.
pungere
to prick. See
Pungent
, and cf.
Punch
a tool,
Punction
.]
1.
A figured stamp, die, or punch, used by goldsmiths, cutlers, etc.
2.
(Carp.)
A short, upright piece of timber in framing; a short post; an intermediate stud.
Oxf. Gloss.
3.
A split log or heavy slab with the face smoothed;
as, a floor made of
puncheons
.
[U.S.]
Bartlett.
4.
[F.
poinçon
, perh. the same as
poinçon
an awl.]
A cask containing, sometimes 84, sometimes 120, gallons.

Webster 1828 Edition


Puncheon

PUNCH'EON

, n.
1.
A small piece of steel, on the end of which is engraved a figure or letter, in creux or relievo, with which impressions are stamped on metal or other substance; used in coinage, in forming the matrices of types, and in various arts.
2.
In carpentry, a piece of timber placed upright between two posts, whose bearing is too great; also, a piece of timber set upright under the ridge of a building, wherein the legs of a couple, &c. are jointed.
3.
A measure of liquids, or a cask containing usually 120 gallons. Rum or spirits is imported from the West Indies in puncheons, but there are often called also hogsheads.