firkin

Meaning

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

Synonyms

keg

small wooden vessel

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈfɝkɪn/

Etymology

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