Emily Dickinson Lexicon

JUNK, n. [L. juncus, It. giunco, Sp. junco, Fr. jonc, a bulrush, of which ropes were made in early ages.]

1. Pieces of old cable or old cordage, used for making points, gaskets, mats, &c., and when untwisted and picked to pieces, it forms oakum for filling the seams of ships. – Mar. Dict.
2. A ship used in China; a Chinese vessel. [An Eastern word.]
3. A thick piece. [See Chunk.]