Firkin (unit)

A firkin is a unit of volume or mass used in several situations. Its etymology is likely to be from the Middle English ferdekyn, probably from the Middle Dutch diminutive of vierde 'fourth' (a firkin originally contained a quarter of a barrel). Firkin also describes a small wooden vessel or tub for butter, lard, etc.[1]

American unit of dry measure

A firkin is an American unit of dry measure.

1 firkin = 9 US gallons = 34 litres[2]

British unit for butter and cheese

A firkin was a British unit for the sale of butter and cheese.[3][4]

1 firkin = 56 pounds = 25 kilograms

British unit of volume for beer and wine
Main article: English brewery cask units § Firkin

A firkin is also a British unit for the sale of beer. It is one quarter of a barrel and its value depends on the current size of a barrel, but at present:[5]

1 firkin = 0.25 barrel = 9 imperial gallons = 10.8 U.S. gallons = 41 litres

A wine firkin is much larger: 1 wine firkin = 70 imperial gallons.[6]

References
  1. "Definition of firkin". www.dictionary.com. Retrieved 2021-01-08.
  2. François Cardarelli (2003). Encyclopaedia of Scientific Units, Weights and Measures. Their SI Equivalences and Origins. London: Springer. pp. 44. ISBN 978-1-44-711122-1.
  3. Robinson, William (1825). The Magistrate's Pocket-book, Or, An Epitome of the Duties and Practice of a Justice of the Peace. C. Hunter. p. 50. Retrieved 9 April 2015.
  4. Crabb, George (1841). A Digest and Index with Chronological Tables of All the Statutes: From Magna Charta to the End of this Last. A. Maxwell & son. p. 231. Retrieved 9 April 2015.
  5. Rowlett, Russ. "How Many? A Dictionary of Units of Measurement". Retrieved 9 April 2015.
  6. "Conversion Center". Retrieved 26 November 2019.
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