Pack

Pack Pack, n. [Akin to D. pak, G. pack, Dan. pakke, Sw. packa, Icel. pakki, Gael. & Ir. pac, Arm. pak. Cf. {Packet}.] [1913 Webster] 1. A bundle made up and prepared to be carried; especially, a bundle to be carried on the back; a load for an animal; a bale, as of goods. --Piers Plowman. [1913 Webster]

2. [Cf. {Peck}, n.] A number or quantity equal to the contents of a pack; hence, a multitude; a burden. ``A pack of sorrows.'' ``A pack of blessings.'' --Shak. [1913 Webster]

Note: ``In England, by a pack of meal is meant 280 lbs.; of wool, 240 lbs.'' --McElrath. [1913 Webster]

3. A group or quantity of connected or similar things; as, a pack of lies; specifically: (a) A full set of playing cards; a deck; also, the assortment used in a particular game; as, a euchre pack. (b) A number of wolves, hounds or dogs, hunting or kept together; as, a wolf pack. (c) A number of persons associated or leagued in a bad design or practice; a gang; as, a pack of thieves or knaves. (d) A shook of cask staves. (e) A bundle of sheet-iron plates for rolling simultaneously. [1913 Webster]

4. A large area of floating pieces of ice driven together more or less closely. --Kane. [1913 Webster]

5. An envelope, or wrapping, of sheets used in hydropathic practice, called {dry pack}, {wet pack}, {cold pack}, etc., according to the method of treatment. [1913 Webster]

6. [Prob. the same word; but cf. AS. p[=ae]can to deceive.] A loose, lewd, or worthless person. See {Baggage}. [Obs.] --Skelton. [1913 Webster]

7. (Med.) In hydropathic practice, a wrapping of blankets or sheets called {dry pack}, {wet pack}, {cold pack}, etc., according to the condition of the blankets or sheets used, put about a patient to give him treatment; also, the fact or condition of being so treated. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

8. (Rugby Football) The forwards who compose one half of the scrummage; also, the scrummage. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

{Pack animal}, an animal, as a horse, mule, etc., employed in carrying packs.

{Pack and prime road} or {Pack and prime way}, a pack road or bridle way.

{Pack cloth}, a coarse cloth, often duck, used in covering packs or bales.

{Pack horse}. See {Pack animal} (above).

{Pack ice}. See def. 4, above.

{Pack moth} (Zo["o]l.), a small moth ({Anacampsis sarcitella}) which, in the larval state, is very destructive to wool and woolen fabrics.

{Pack needle}, a needle for sewing with pack thread. --Piers Plowman.

{Pack saddle}, a saddle made for supporting the load on a pack animal. --Shak.

{Pack staff}, a staff for supporting a pack; a peddler's staff.

{Pack train} (Mil.), a troop of pack animals. [1913 Webster]