firkin
Americannoun
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a British unit of capacity usually equal to a quarter of a barrel.
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a small wooden vessel or tub for butter, lard, etc.
noun
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a small wooden barrel or similar container
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a unit of capacity equal to nine gallons
Etymology
Origin of firkin
1400–50; late Middle English ferdkyn, firdekyn, equivalent to ferde (variant of ferthe fourth ) + -kin -kin
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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.”
From Washington Times ● Jun. 21, 2020
In the flesh, Ruth Davidson, 37, is a firkin of fun, speaks with a machine-gun delivery and can hold her own.
From BBC ● Jan. 13, 2016
Rip.No butter firkin mit no kiver no place, no I ain't seen him.
From Representative Plays by American Dramatists: 1856-1911: Rip van Winkle by Charles Burke
In the rear end of their wagon was a butter firkin and a number of packages.
From When Life Was Young At the Old Farm in Maine by C. A. (Charles Asbury) Stephens
A firkin was also put into the sleigh; and after the sugar was sufficiently cool, it was put into the firkin, and covered up with great care.
From Mind Amongst the Spindles by Various
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