Junk \Junk\, n. [Pg. junco junk, rush, L. juncus a bulrush, of
which ropes were made in early ages. Cf. Junket.]
[1913 Webster]
1. Pieces of old cable or old cordage, used for making
gaskets, mats, swabs, etc., and when picked to pieces,
forming oakum for filling the seams of ships.
[1913 Webster]
2. Old iron, or other metal, glass, paper, etc., bought and
sold by junk dealers.
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3. Hence: Something worthless, or only worth its value as
recyclable scrap.
[PJC]
4. (Naut.) Hard salted beef supplied to ships.
[1913 Webster]
Junk bottle, a stout bottle made of thick dark-colored
glass.
Junk dealer, a dealer in old cordage, old metal, glass,
etc.
Junk hook (Whaling), a hook for hauling heavy pieces of
blubber on deck.
Junk ring.
(a) A packing of soft material round the piston of a steam
engine.
(b) A metallic ring for retaining a piston packing in
place;
(c) A follower.
Junk shop, a shop where old cordage, and ship's tackle, old
iron, old bottles, old paper, etc., are kept for sale.
Junk vat (Leather Manuf.), a large vat into which spent tan
liquor or ooze is pumped.
Junk wad (Mil.), a wad used in proving cannon; also used in
firing hot shot.
[1913 Webster]
Source: The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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