Pun | Webster's Dictionary (1865)

Pŭn, n.

noun

n. [Cf. Prov. Eng. pun, to pound, A-S. punian, to bruise, and Eng. point, Fr. pointe.] An expression in which a word is capable of different meanings; an expression in which two different applications of a word present an odd or ludicrous idea; a kind of quibble or equivocation.

A pun can be no more engraven than it can be translated. Addison.

A better pun on this word was made on the Beggar's Opera, which, it was said, made Gay rich, and Rich gay. Walpole.

Pŭn, v. i.

verbintransitive

[imp. & p. p. PUNNED; p. pr. & vb. n. PUNNING.] To use the same word at once in different senses; to quibble. Dryden.

Pŭn, v. t.

verbtransitive

To persuade by a pun. Addison.

Pŭn, v. t.

verbtransitive

To pound. He would pun thee into shivers with his fist. Shak.