an·ker
| \ ˈäŋkər, ˈa- \
plural -s
Definition of anker
1
: a unit of capacity:
a
: an old Dutch and German liquid measure used in various countries of Europe especially for spirits and equal to about 9 to 10.5 U.S. gallons (30 to 40 liters)
b
: a U.S. unit equal to 10 gallons (37.85 liters)
c
: a unit of South Africa equal to 7¹/₂ imperial gallons (34.10 liters)
2
: a cask or keg having a capacity of one anker
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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The first known use of anker was in 1673
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