Pŭnch'eon, n.

(pŭnch'un), n. [Fr. poinçon, awl, bodkin, crown, king-post, a puncheon or cask; Sp. punzon, It. punzone, from Lat. punctio, a pricking, from pungere, to prick.]

1. A tool or instrument of steel with the end or face variously shaped or figured, for piercing, stamping, or the like, used by various artificers, as goldsmiths, cutlers, &c.; a punch.
2. (Carp.) A short, upright piece of timber in framing; a dwarf-post; a stud. Oxf. Gloss.
3. One of the parts of a log split in halves, with the face smoothed; as, a floor made of puncheons. [U. S.] Bartlett.
4. A measure of liquids, or a cask containing, sometimes 84, sometimes 120, gallons.