punk, punck

[A contract. of spunk (q. v.).) 1. Tinder made of a fungus, Boletus igniarius; decayed or rotten wood used as tinder; touchwood. 2. A prostitute. "This punk is one of Cupid's carriers." Shakesp.: Merry Wives of Windsor, li. 2. pun-ka, pun-kah, s. [Hind. pankhá=a fan, allied to pankha =a wing, a feather; Sansc. paksha =a wing; Pers. pankan a sieve, a fan.] A large, broad fan, suspended from the ceiling, or a number of such fans, acting simultaneously, and worked by an attendant. It is common in India, being sus pended over a table or bed. It has a line attached end, which pa es through the wall or door to an attendant outside. "The atmosphere IMG:content-1739.png:[blocks in formation]