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.