# firkin

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈfɝkɪn/

## Definitions
1. A varying measure of capacity, usually being a quarter of a barrel; specifically, a measure equal to nine imperial gallons.
2. A small wooden vessel or cask of indeterminate size, used for butter, lard, etc.
3. A measurement for the mass of butter, equalling 56 pounds.

## Etymology
From Middle Dutch *vierdekijn, diminutive of vierde (“fourth”), from vier (“four”); equivalent to fourth + -kin.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/firkin