The DICT Development Group
4 definitions found
for Firkin
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :
Firkin \Fir"kin\, n. [From AS. fe['o]wer four (or an allied
word, perh. Dutch or Danish) + -kin. See Four.]
1. A varying measure of capacity, usually being the fourth
part of a barrel; specifically, a measure equal to nine
imperial gallons. [Eng.]
[1913 Webster]
2. A small wooden vessel or cask of indeterminate size, --
used for butter, lard, etc. [U.S.]
[1913 Webster]
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) :
firkin
n 1: a British unit of capacity equal to 9 imperial gallons
2: a small wooden keg
From Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary :
Firkin
Used only in John 2:6; the Attic amphora, equivalent to the
Hebrew bath (q.v.), a measure for liquids containing about 8 7/8
gallons.
From Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) :
FIRKIN. A measure of capacity equal to nine gallons. The word firkin is also
used to designate a weight, used for butter and cheese, of fifty-six pounds
avoirdupois.
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