Paunch (?), n. [OF. panch, pance, F. panse, L. pantex, panticis.]
1. Anat.
The belly and its contents; the abdomen; also, the first stomach, or rumen, of ruminants. See Rumen.
2. Naut.
A paunch mat; -- called also panch.
3.
The thickened rim of a bell, struck by the clapper.
Paunch mat Naut., a thick mat made of strands of rope, used to prevent the yard or rigging from chafing.
© Webster 1913.
Paunch, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Paunched (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Paunching.]
1.
To pierce or rip the belly of; to eviscerate; to disembowel.
Shak.
2.
To stuff with food.
[Obs.]
Udall.
© Webster 1913.