shuck

Definition

The shell or husk, especially of grains (e.g. corn/maize) or nuts (e.g. walnuts).

Etymology

Origin unknown. Possibly a dialectal survival of unrecorded Middle English *schulk(e), *schullok (“small shell”); either from Old English *sċylluc, *sċylloc, diminutive of Old English sċyll (“shell”), or alternatively created in Middle English from Middle English schulle, schelle (“shell, husk, pod”) + -ok, making it equivalent to shell + -ock (diminutive suffix) or shell + -k (diminutive suffix).

Example Sentences

• "There was no linen, no pillow, and when she touched the mattress it gave forth the faint dry whisper of shucks."