firkin

noun /ˈfɝkɪn/

1. A varying measure of capacity, usually being a quarter of a barrel; specifically, a measure equal to nine imperial gallons.

   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.

2. A small wooden vessel or cask of indeterminate size, used for butter, lard, etc.

3. A measurement for the mass of butter, equalling 56 pounds.

Where it comes from

From Middle Dutch *vierdekijn, diminutive of vierde (“fourth”), from vier (“four”); equivalent to fourth + -kin.

Adapted from the Wiktionary entry firkin (CC BY-SA 4.0).

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