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What is "tun-shell"

The Collaborative International Dictionary
tun-shell

Tun \Tun\, 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.

  2. (Brewing) A fermenting vat.

  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.

  4. (Com.) A weight of 2,240 pounds. See Ton. [R.]

  5. An indefinite large quantity.
    --Shak.

    A tun of man in thy large bulk is writ.
    --Dryden.

  6. A drunkard; -- so called humorously, or in contempt.

  7. (Zo["o]l.) Any shell belonging to Dolium and allied genera; -- called also tun-shell.