Cilderkin

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A small cask, often used for measuring or storing liquids like beer or wine
2. A vessel holding a specific volume, typically about one-fourth of a barrel
3. A historical container for liquor, reflecting old brewing and storage traditions

Etymology: The kilderkin was a cask holding eighteen imperial gallons, half a barrel and twice the capacity of a firkin. Its name comes from Middle Dutch, probably from a diminutive of "kinne," a word for a tub or small vessel, though the exact details of that borrowing are uncertain. Its neighbour in the cellar has the more surprising history. "Firkin" comes from Middle Dutch "vierdekijn," which means roughly "little fourth," a fourth part of a larger barrel. The kilderkin, double that size, sat one step up the same ladder of casks, so the two words map out a family of brewing measures borrowed from the same Low Countries trade.

Synonyms: kilderkin, barrel, cask, tun, firkin