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.”

From Washington Times

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

From New York Times

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

From Literature

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

From Washington Post

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

From BBC

Related Words

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