firkin

English

/ˈfɝkɪn/, /ˈfɜːkɪn/

noun
Definitions
  • (British) A varying measure of capacity, usually being a quarter of a barrel; specifically, a measure equal to nine imperial gallons.
  • (US) A small wooden vessel or cask of indeterminate size, used for butter, lard, etc.
  • A weight measure for butter, equalling 56 pounds.

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle Dutch *vierdekijn suf from English fourth.

Origin

English

fourth

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms