firkin

Meaning

Noun

• A varying measure of capacity, usually being a quarter of a barrel; specifically, a measure equal to nine imperial gallons.
• A small wooden vessel or cask of indeterminate size, used for butter, lard, etc.
• A weight measure for butter, equalling 56 pounds.

Origin

• From Middle Dutch *vierdekijn, diminutive of vierde, from vier; equivalent to fourth + -kin.