English Explanatory Dictionary

firkin

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  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.

Pronunciation

/ˈfɝkɪn/ /ˈfɜːkɪn/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-firkin.wav

Word forms

firkin firkins

Etymology

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

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