Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1722, 1839
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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.
