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

This dainty way, however, would hardly make a bad article good, and no one would crave a berry of ancient firkin butter.

From Project Gutenberg

A firkin or a large pail which does not leak and which can be devoted to the purpose is needed for slacking the lime.

From Project Gutenberg

One of these like the butter firkin on shore, could not patiently submit to everything, and—broke!

From Project Gutenberg

The bottom of a butter firkin can stand what is reasonable, but what self–respecting firkin will submit to everything?

From Project Gutenberg

Down he came, partly in the firkin and partly outside of it, falling in a very mixed condition.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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