barrelhead

[ bar-uhl-hed ]

noun

1. either of the round, flat sections that form the top and bottom of a barrel.

Word History and Origins

Origin of barrelhead¹

First recorded in 1830–40; barrel + head

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on the barrelhead, in advance or on demand:

   They won't deliver the merchandise unless we pay cash on the barrelhead.

Example Sentences

In his TV spots, he cuddled a puppy — again, not always the same puppy — and his ads promised that some of your cash on the barrelhead would go to save the lives of cutie pets like this one.

From Los Angeles Times

They aren’t looking for cash on the barrelhead but rather pledges, from businesses and individuals.

From Washington Times

When the Yankees caught him, they stood him up on a barrelhead and, without a trial or anything, shot him.

From Literature

“He was the one,” said Grandpa, and then told Mr. Nolly how in summertime there’s always a bunch of old men playing checkers on a barrelhead out under this great old big sassafras tree at the depot.

From Literature

But as I hurried to cross the street just before reaching the depot, the old men playing checkers on a barrelhead under the Cold Sassy tree winked and grinned at me.

From Literature