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.
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.