barrel

ˈbæɹ(ə)l

3 definitions

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#1·7h ago

(countable) A round (cylindrical) vessel, such as a cask, of greater length than breadth, and bulging in the middle, made of staves bound with hoops, and having flat ends (heads).

Origin: From , from , , bareil, of uncertain origin. An attempt to link baril to (compare ) via assumed meets the phonological requirement, but fails to connect the word semantically. The alternative connection to , *beril or , from , *bērilaz, from , is more plausible as it connects not only the form of the word but also the sense; equivalent to . Compare also , , Bierel, , . More at bear. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).

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#2·7h ago

The quantity which constitutes a full barrel: the volume or weight this represents varies by local law and custom.

Again, by 28 Hen. VIII, cap. 14, it is re-enacted that the tun of wine should contain 252 gallons, a butt of Malmsey 126 gallons, a pipe 126 gallons, a tercian or puncheon 84 gallons, a hogshead 63 gallons, a tierce 41 gallons, a barrel …

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#3·7h ago

A solid drum, or a hollow cylinder or case.

23 Hen. VIII, cap. 4... The barrel of beer is to hold 36 gallons, the kilderkin 18 gallons the firkin 9. But the barrel, kilderkin, and firkin of ale are to contain 32, 16, and 8 gallons.

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