Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Firkin
1.
A varying measure of capacity, usually being the fourth part of a barrel; specifically, a measure equal to nine imperial gallons.
[Eng.]
2.
A small wooden vessel or cask of indeterminate size, – used for butter, lard, etc.
[U.S.]
Webster 1828 Edition
Firkin
FIRKIN
,Noun.
A measure of capacity, being the fourth part of a barrel. It is nine gallons of beer, or eight gallons of ale, soap or herrings. In America, the firkin is rarely used, except for butter or lard, and signifies a small vessel or cask of indeterminate size, or of different sizes, regulated by the statutes of the different states.
Definition 2024
firkin
firkin
English
Noun
firkin (plural firkins)
- (Britain) 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.