n. 1 the main stem of a tree as distinct from its branches and roots. 2 a person's or animal's body apart from the limbs and head. 3 the main part of any structure. 4 a large box with a hinged lid for transporting luggage, clothes, etc. 5 US the luggage compartment of a motor car. 6 an elephant's elongated prehensile nose. 7 (in pl.) men's close-fitting shorts worn for swimming, boxing, etc. 8 the main body of an artery, nerve, etc. 9 an enclosed shaft or conduit for cables, ventilation, etc. trunk call esp. Brit. a telephone call on a trunk line with charges made according to distance. trunk line a main line of a railway, telephone system, etc. trunk road esp. Brit. an important main road. trunkful n. (pl. -fuls). trunkless adj.
[ ME f. OF tronc f. L truncus ]