Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Trunk
Trunk
,Noun.
1.
The stem, or body, of a tree, apart from its limbs and roots; the main stem, without the branches; stock; stalk.
About the mossy
For, high from ground, the branches would require
Thy utmost reach.
trunk
I wound me soon,For, high from ground, the branches would require
Thy utmost reach.
Milton.
2.
The body of an animal, apart from the head and limbs.
3.
The main body of anything;
as, the
. trunk
of a vein or of an artery, as distinct from the branches4.
(Arch)
That part of a pilaster which is between the base and the capital, corresponding to the shaft of a column.
5.
(Zool.)
That segment of the body of an insect which is between the head and abdomen, and bears the wings and legs; the thorax; the truncus.
6.
(Zool.)
(a)
The proboscis of an elephant.
(b)
The proboscis of an insect.
7.
A long tube through which pellets of clay, p[GREEK]as, etc., are driven by the force of the breath.
He shot sugarplums them out of a
trunk
. Howell.
8.
A box or chest usually covered with leather, metal, or cloth, or sometimes made of leather, hide, or metal, for containing clothes or other goods; especially, one used to convey the effects of a traveler.
Locked up in chests and
trunks
. Shakespeare
9.
(Mining)
A flume or sluice in which ores are separated from the slimes in which they are contained.
10.
(Steam Engine)
A large pipe forming the piston rod of a steam engine, of sufficient diameter to allow one end of the connecting rod to be attached to the crank, and the other end to pass within the pipe directly to the piston, thus making the engine more compact.
11.
A long, large box, pipe, or conductor, made of plank or metal plates, for various uses, as for conveying air to a mine or to a furnace, water to a mill, grain to an elevator, etc.
Trunk engine
, a marine engine, the piston rod of which is a trunk. See
– Trunk
, 10. Trunk hose
, large breeches formerly worn, reaching to the knees.
– Trunk line
, the main line of a railway, canal, or route of conveyance.
– Trunk turtle
(Zool.)
, the leatherback.
Webster 1828 Edition
Trunk
TRUNK
,Noun.
1.
The stem or body of a tree, severed form its roots. This is the proper sense of the word. But surprising as it may seem, it is used most improperly to signify the stem of a standing tree or vegetable, in general.2.
The body of an animal without the limbs.3.
The main body of any thing; as the trunk of a vein or of an artery, as distinct from the branches.4.
The snout or proboscis of an elephant; the limb or instrument with which he feeds himself.5.
A slender, oblong, hollow body, joined to the fore part of the head of many insects by means of which they suck the blood of animals or the juices of vegetables.6.
In architecture, the fust or shaft of a column.7.
A long tube through which pellets of clay are blown.8.
A box or chest covered with skin.Fire-trunks, in fire ships, wooden funnels fixed under the shrouds to convey or lead the flames to the masts and rigging.
TRUNK
,Verb.
T.