PONCHO. A blanket with a hole in the centre, large enough for the head to pass through, worn by natives of South and Western America.
POND. A word often used for a small lagoon, but improperly, for ponds are formed exclusively from springs and surface-drainage, and have no affluent. Also, a cant name for the Mediterranean. Also, the summit-level of a canal.
PONENT. Western.
PONIARD. A short dagger with a sharp edge.
PONTAGE. A duty or toll collected for the repair and keeping of bridges.
PONTONES. Ancient square-built ferry-boats for passing rivers, as described by Cæsar and Aulus Gellius.
PONTOON. A large low flat vessel resembling a barge of burden, and furnished with cranes, capstans, tackles, and other machinery necessary for careening ships; they are principally used in the Mediterranean. Also, a kind of portable boat specially adapted for the formation of the floating bridges required by armies: they are constructed of various figures, and of wood, metal, or prepared canvas (the latter being most in favour at present), and have the necessary superstructure and gear packed with them for transport.
POO. A small crab on the Scottish coast.
POOD. A Russian commercial weight, equal to 36 lbs. English.
POODLE. An old Cornish name for the English Channel. Also, a slang term for the aide-de-camp of a garrison general.