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

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

In the flesh, Ruth Davidson, 37, is a firkin of fun, speaks with a machine-gun delivery and can hold her own.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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