firkin
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
From Middle Dutch *vierdekijn, diminutive of vierde (“fourth”),[1] from vier (“four”), equivalent to fourth + -kin.
Pronunciation[edit]
Noun[edit]
firkin (plural firkins)
- (UK) A varying measure of capacity, usually being the fourth part of a barrel; specifically, a measure equal to nine imperial gallons. [Eng.]
- 1882, James Edwin Thorold Rogers, A History of Agriculture and Prices in England, Volume 4, p. 205:
- 23 Hen. VIII, cap. 4... The barrel of beer is to hold 36 gallons, the kilderkin 18 gallons the firkin 9. But the barrel, kilderkin, and firkin of ale are to contain 32, 16, and 8 gallons.
- 1882, James Edwin Thorold Rogers, A History of Agriculture and Prices in England, Volume 4, p. 205:
- (US) A small wooden vessel or cask of indeterminate size, -- used for butter, lard, etc.
- A weight measure for butter, equalling 56 pounds.
