Stŭff'ing-bŏx, n.

n. An arrangement for rendering a joint tight, where a movable rod passes into a vessel of some kind, as the cylinder of a steam-engine. It consists of a close box cast round the hole through which the rod passes, in which is laid round the rod, and in contact with it, a quantity of hemp or India-rubber packing, metallic or rubber rings, and the like, lubricated with oily matter, and pressed closely down by a ring on top.