'tun-shell' definitions:

Definition of 'tun-shell'

From: GCIDE
  • Tun \Tun\ (t[u^]n), n. [AS. tunne. See Ton a weight.]
  • 1. A large cask; an oblong vessel bulging in the middle, like a pipe or puncheon, and girt with hoops; a wine cask. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. (Brewing) A fermenting vat. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. A certain measure for liquids, as for wine, equal to two pipes, four hogsheads, or 252 gallons. In different countries, the tun differs in quantity. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. (Com.) A weight of 2,240 pounds. See Ton. [R.] [1913 Webster]
  • 5. An indefinite large quantity. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • A tun of man in thy large bulk is writ. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • 6. A drunkard; -- so called humorously, or in contempt. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • 7. (Zool.) Any shell belonging to Dolium and allied genera; -- called also tun-shell. [1913 Webster]