Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
TRUNK, n., v. Also trunkie (Sc. 1911 S.D.D.). Sc. usages:
I. n. 1. As in Eng. Comb. †trunkmeall, a trunk, portmanteau. See Mail, n.3Abd. 1722 Abd. Jnl. N. & Q. VIII. 98:
For ane old trunkemeall to Mrs. Allan 3 libs.
2. A lobster-pot or trap (Fif. 1949). Also in n.Eng. dial.
3. A fish-box (Kcd. 1973).
II. v. To catch lobsters or crabs in a trunk. Also in Eng. dial. Hence trunking, vbl.n.Bwk. 1839 Proc. Bwk. Nat. Club (1885) 228:
Another way of taking lobsters and crabs is called trunking. A smaller case than the one described, and with a hole at the top, is used more especially for lobsters; or an iron hoop, with a net fastened to the rim of it, falling down like a land net, and leaving the upper part open. The bait is fastened in the middle, and after being a half an hour or so in the water, they are quickly drawn up, the fish taken out, and then let down again. This method is used at night only.
