firkin

[fur-kin]

noun

1. a British unit of capacity usually equal to a quarter of a barrel.

2. a small wooden vessel or tub for butter, lard, etc.

firkin

/ ˈfɜːkɪn /

noun

1. a small wooden barrel or similar container

2. a unit of capacity equal to nine gallons

Word History and Origins

Origin of firkin¹

1400–50; late Middle English ferdkyn, firdekyn, equivalent to ferde (variant of ferthe fourth ) + -kin -kin

Word History and Origins

Origin of firkin¹

C14 fir , from Middle Dutch vierde _fourth + _-kin

Example Sentences

The annual event sees selected town residents taking turns to run through the streets carrying burning wooden firkins in an "ancient rite of passage", Andrew Wade, president of the Tar Barrels Committee, said.

Read more on BBC

He uses an antique wooden firkin once used for storing flour and sugar to sit on that the older French speaking duck hunters call a “bedon.”

Read more on Washington Times

The brewery has several hundred firkins — small casks full of finished beer — with dispensing devices called “beer engines” for serving on premises.

Read more on New York Times

She was—sweet mercy in a firkin—she was a gruesome little baggage.

Read more on Literature

Breweries from all over the area bring firkins of their beer to the Penn Quarter brewpub for a night of tasting.

Read more on Washington Post

Related Words

• bag 
• bottle 
• bowl 
• box 
• bucket 
• can 
• canister 
• capsule 
• carton 
• crate 
• dish 
• jar 
• jug 
• kettle 
• package 
• packet 
• pail 
• pot 
• pouch 
• sack