I. ˈpənchən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English ponchon, ponson, punson pointed tool, dagger, king post, from Middle French poinchon, poinçon pointed tool, king post (perhaps from its being marked by the builder with a pointed tool), from (assumed) Vulgar Latin punction-, punctio pointed tool, from (assumed) punctiare to prick, from Latin punctus, past participle of pungere to prick — more at pungent
1. : a pointed tool for piercing or for working on stone
2.
a. : a short upright piece of timber in framing : a short post : an intermediate stud
b. a split log or heavy slab with the face smoothed
a puncheon floor
a puncheon door
3. : a figured stamp, die, or punch used especially by goldsmiths, cutlers, and engravers
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English poncion, from Middle French ponchon, poinçon, of unknown origin
1. : a large cask of varying capacity
2. : any of various units of liquid capacity (as a unit equal to 70 gallons or one of 72 gallons)