puncheon Meaning, Definition & Usage

Punch"eon noun
Etymology
F. poin&cced;on awl, bodkin, crown, king-post, fr. L. punctio a pricking, fr. pungere to prick. See Pungent, and cf. Punch a tool, Punction.
Definitions
  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. poin&cced;on, perh. the same as poin&cced;on an awl. A cask containing, sometimes 84, sometimes 120, gallons.

Webster 1913