puncheon

Meaning

Noun

• A figured stamp, die, or punch, used by goldsmiths, cutlers, etc.
• A short, upright piece of timber in framing; a short post; an intermediate stud.
• A walkway or short, low footbridge over wet ground constructed by laying one or more planks or dressed timbers over sills set directly on the ground, also called duck boards, bog boards, or bog bridge.
• A short low bridge of similar construction. Also called puncheon bridge.
• A cask used to hold liquids, having a capacity varying from 72 to 120 gallons; a tercian.

Origin

• From Middle English punchoun, from Anglo-Norman ponchon, pounceon et al., and Middle French ponçon, poinchon et al., from Old French ponchon, from Latin punctio ("act of piercing"). punction. Related to Middle High German punze, ponze, German Punze.