chaldron

American  

[chawl-druhn] / ˈtʃɔl drən /

noun

1. an English dry measure formerly used for coal, coke, lime, and the like, varying locally from 32 to 36 bushels or more.

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chaldron British  

/ ˈtʃɔːldrən /

noun

1. a unit of capacity equal to 36 bushels. Formerly used in the US for the measurement of solids, being equivalent to 1.268 cubic metres. Used in Britain for both solids and liquids, it is equivalent to 1.309 cubic metres

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Etymology

Origin of chaldron

1375–1425; late Middle English, earlier chaudron < Middle French chauderon cauldron

Example Sentences

The largest quantity of work will not be done by this curious engine for pay, or under pressure, or by help of any kind of fuel which may be supplied by the chaldron.

From Unto This Last and Other Essays on Political Economy by Ruskin, John

Dry Measure.--2 pints make 1 quart, 8 quarts make 1 peck, 4 pecks make 1 bushel, 36 bushels make 1 chaldron.

From The Handy Cyclopedia of Things Worth Knowing A Manual of Ready Reference by Triemens, Joseph

To meet these heavy charges a duty of fourpence per chaldron was levied on coals and culm imported into London, and also an additional duty of sixpence per chaldron for fifty years.

From The Corporation of London, Its Rights and Privileges by Allen, William Ferneley

The coal duty raised to 2 s. a chaldron.

From London and the Kingdom - Volume II by Sharpe, Reginald R. (Reginald Robinson)

That of Milford, of which however only about 6,000 chalders are annually exported, sells generally at from 50s. to 60s. per chaldron in the London market—a price vastly exceeding the finest Newcastle coal.

From The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 17, No. 469, January 1, 1831 by Various