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

He had every year twenty chaldron of coal and twelve dozen of wax and sixty-four dozen of tallow candles, valued by himself at �103.

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg

Here were all the dry provisions, and the ship's rum, stowed upon ten chaldrons of coal, which, unfortunately, had been started in this part of the ship, and by them the pumps were continually choked.

From Project Gutenberg

The master’s salary is £40 besides his dwelling, and two chaldron of coals yearly.—There is also a private lunatic house, situate near where brazen doors formerly stood.

From Project Gutenberg

Cruel King Coal and his merry men, Twenty and five fat rogues were they, Cabbaged fourpence a chaldron first, then ten, And a penny to boot made poor folks pay.

From Project Gutenberg