Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

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.

Source : WordNet®

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; "he put his golf bag in the trunk"
        [syn: {luggage compartment}, {automobile trunk}]
     5: a long flexible snout as of an elephant [syn: {proboscis}]