Junk

Junk Junk, n. [Pg. junco junk, rush, L. juncus a bulrush, of which ropes were made in early ages. Cf. {Junket}.] [1913 Webster] 1. Pieces of old cable or old cordage, used for making gaskets, mats, swabs, etc., and when picked to pieces, forming oakum for filling the seams of ships. [1913 Webster]

2. Old iron, or other metal, glass, paper, etc., bought and sold by junk dealers. [1913 Webster]

3. Hence: Something worthless, or only worth its value as recyclable scrap. [PJC]

4. (Naut.) Hard salted beef supplied to ships. [1913 Webster]

{Junk bottle}, a stout bottle made of thick dark-colored glass.

{Junk dealer}, a dealer in old cordage, old metal, glass, etc.

{Junk hook} (Whaling), a hook for hauling heavy pieces of blubber on deck.

{Junk ring}. (a) A packing of soft material round the piston of a steam engine. (b) A metallic ring for retaining a piston packing in place; (c) A follower.

{Junk shop}, a shop where old cordage, and ship's tackle, old iron, old bottles, old paper, etc., are kept for sale.

{Junk vat} (Leather Manuf.), a large vat into which spent tan liquor or ooze is pumped.

{Junk wad} (Mil.), a wad used in proving cannon; also used in firing hot shot. [1913 Webster]