Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Puncheon \Punch"eon\, n. [F. poin[,c]on awl, bodkin, crown,
   king-post, fr. L. punctio a pricking, fr. pungere to prick.
   See {Pungent}, and cf. {Punch} a tool, {Punction}.]
   1. A figured stamp, die, or punch, used by goldsmiths,
      cutlers, etc.

   2. (Carp.) A short, upright piece of timber in framing; a
      short post; an intermediate stud. --Oxf. Gloss.

   3. A split log or heavy slab with the face smoothed; as, a
      floor made of puncheons. [U.S.] --Bartlett.

   4. [F. poin[,c]on, perh. the same as poin[,c]on an awl.] A
      cask containing, sometimes 84, sometimes 120, gallons.