stuffing box
    n 1: a small chamber in which packing is compressed around a
         reciprocating shaft or piston to form a seal [syn:
         stuffing box, packing box]

Stuffing \Stuff"ing\, n.
   1. That which is used for filling anything; as, the stuffing
      of a saddle or cushion.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Cookery) Any seasoning preparation used to stuff meat;
      especially, a composition of bread, condiments, spices,
      etc.; forcemeat; dressing.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. A mixture of oil and tallow used in softening and dressing
      leather.
      [1913 Webster]

   Stuffing box, a device for rendering a joint impervious
      where there is a hole through which a movable cylindrical
      body, as the paston rod of a steam engine, or the plunger
      of a pump, slides back and forth, or in which a shaft
      turns. It usually consists of a box or chamber, made by an
      enlargement of part of the hole, forming a space around
      the rod or shaft for containing packing which is
      compressed and made to fill the space closely by means of
      a sleeve, called the gland, which fits loosely around the
      rod, and is pressed upon the packing by bolts or other
      means.
      [1913 Webster]