punji

noun

pun·​ji
ˈpənjē
plural -s
often attributive
: a sharpened stick usually of bamboo set in the ground especially in Vietnam as an antipersonnel weapon
punji stick
punji trap

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from Kachin

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of punji was in 1872

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Dictionary Entries Near punji

Cite this Entry

“Punji.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punji. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

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