kilderkin

kil·der·kin  (kldr-kn)

n.

1. A cask.

2. An obsolete English measure of capacity equal to about 18 gallons (68 liters).

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[Middle English, alteration of Middle Flemish kinderkin, variant of Middle Dutch kindekijn : quintel, quintlein, quintal (from Medieval Latin quintle; see quintal) + -kijn, diminutive suff.]

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kilderkin [ˈkɪldəkɪn]

n

1. (Mathematics & Measurements / Units) an obsolete unit of liquid capacity equal to 16 or 18 Imperial gallons or of dry capacity equal to 16 or 18 wine gallons

2. a cask capable of holding a kilderkin

[from Middle Dutch kindekijn, from kintal hundredweight, from Medieval Latin quintale; see kentledge]

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Kilderkin a measured capacity, usually the fourth part of a tun.

Examples: kilderkin of corn, 1600; of drink, 1670; of herrings, 1423; of knowledge, 1593; of wit, 1682.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

kilderkin - an obsolete British unit of capacity equal to 18 Imperial gallons British capacity unit, Imperial capacity unit - a unit of measure for capacity officially adopted in the British Imperial System; British units are both dry and wet firkin - a British unit of capacity equal to 9 imperial gallons