— trunkless , adj.
/trungk/ , n.
1. the main stem of a tree, as distinct from the branches and roots.
2. a large, sturdy box or chest for holding or transporting clothes, personal effects, or other articles.
3. a large compartment, usually in the rear of an automobile, in which luggage, a spare tire, and other articles may be kept.
4. the body of a person or an animal excluding the head and limbs; torso.
5. Ichthyol. the part of a fish between the head and the anus.
6. Archit.
a. the shaft of a column.
b. the dado or die of a pedestal.
7. the main channel, artery, or line in a river, railroad, highway, canal, or other tributary system.
8. Telephony , Telegraphy.
a. a telephone line or channel between two central offices or switching devices that is used in providing telephone connections between subscribers generally.
b. a telegraph line or channel between two main or central offices.
9. Anat. the main body of an artery, nerve, or the like, as distinct from its branches.
10. trunks ,
a. brief shorts, loose-fitting or tight, worn by men chiefly for boxing, swimming, and track.
b. Obs. See trunk hose .
11. the long, flexible, cylindrical nasal appendage of the elephant.
12. Naut.
a. a large enclosed passage through the decks or bulkheads of a vessel, for cooling, ventilation, or the like.
b. any of various watertight casings in a vessel, as the vertical one above the slot for a centerboard in the bottom of a boat.
13. a conduit; shaft; chute.
adj.
14. of, pertaining to, or noting a main channel or line, as of a railroad or river.
[ 1400-50; late ME trunke truncus stem, trunk, stump, n. use of truncus lopped ]