puncheon

n. [ F. poinçon awl, bodkin, crown, king-post, fr. L. punctio a pricking, fr. pungere to prick. See Pungent, and cf. Punch a tool, Punction. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. A figured stamp, die, or punch, used by goldsmiths, cutlers, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Carp.) A short, upright piece of timber in framing; a short post; an intermediate stud. Oxf. Gloss. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A split log or heavy slab with the face smoothed; as, a floor made of puncheons. [ U.S. ] Bartlett. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. [ F. poinçon, perh. the same as poinçon an awl. ] A cask containing, sometimes 84, sometimes 120, gallons. [ 1913 Webster ]