Paunch \Paunch\, n. [OF. panch, pance, F. panse, L. pantex,
panticis.]
1. (Anat.) The belly and its contents; the abdomen; also, the
first stomach, or rumen, of ruminants. See {Rumen}.
2. (Naut.) A paunch mat; -- called also {panch}.
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.