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. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. (Naut.) A paunch mat; -- called also panch. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. The thickened rim of a bell, struck by the clapper. [ 1913 Webster ]
4. A noticeably protruding belly; a potbelly. [ PJC ]
Paunch mat (Naut.), a thick mat made of strands of rope, used to prevent the yard or rigging from chafing. [ 1913 Webster ]