Hypertext Webster Gateway: "trunk"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Trunk \Trunk\, n. [F. tronc, L. truncus, fr. truncus maimed,
mutilated; perhaps akin to torquere to twist wrench, and E.
torture. Trunk in the sense of proboscis is fr. F. trompe
(the same word as trompe a trumpet), but has been confused in
English with trunk the stem of a tree (see {Trump} a
trumpet). Cf. {Truncate}.]
1. The stem, or body, of a tree, apart from its limbs and
roots; the main stem, without the branches; stock; stalk.
About the mossy trunk I wound me soon, For, high
from ground, the branches would require Thy utmost
reach. --Milton.
2. The body of an animal, apart from the head and limbs.
3. The main body of anything; as, the trunk of a vein or of
an artery, as distinct from the branches.
4. (Arch) That part of a pilaster which is between the base
and the capital, corresponding to the shaft of a column.
5. (Zo["o]l.) That segment of the body of an insect which is
between the head and abdomen, and bears the wings and
legs; the thorax; the truncus.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Trunk \Trunk\, v. t. [Cf. F. tronquer. See {Truncate}.]
1. To lop off; to curtail; to truncate; to maim. [Obs.] ``Out
of the trunked stock.'' --Spenser.
2. (Mining) To extract (ores) from the slimes in which they
are contained, by means of a trunk. See {Trunk}, n., 9.
--Weale.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
trunk
n 1: the main stem of a tree; usually covered with bark; the bole
is usually the part that is commercially useful for
lumber [syn: {tree trunk}, {bole}]
2: luggage consisting of a large strong case used when
traveling or for storage
3: the body excluding the head and neck and limbs; "they moved
their arms and legs and bodies" [syn: {torso}, {body}]
4: compartment in an automobile that carries luggage or
shopping or tools (`boot' is British usage) [syn: {luggage
compartment}, {automobile trunk}, {boot}]
5: a long flexible snout as of an elephant [syn: {proboscis}]
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