firkin

noun

fir·​kin ˈfər-kən 

1

: a small wooden vessel or cask

2

: any of various British units of capacity usually equal to ¹/₄ barrel

Synonyms

• barrel
• keg
• cask

Examples of firkin in a Sentence

the innkeeper opened up a firkin of his special ale for the weary travelers

Recent Examples on the Web

Free beer, root beer while supplies last on first day of each stop The first day the beer garden arrives at each location, there will be a firkin tapping with free beer, and also free root beer, while supplies last. —Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 16 Mar. 2023

Festivities start at 5 p.m. with Michelle tapping a firkin of Termination Dust conditioned with black currants & cinnamon. —Anchorage Daily News, 30 Sep. 2021

Streetside has challenged six local teams to use firkins as a vessel in which to rest the brewery’s delicious Demogorgon stout on a variety of adjuncts (nutella and strawberry, anyone?). —Matt Koesters, Cincinnati.com, 13 Mar. 2020

For the uninitiated, firkins are traditionally wooden casks that hold some of the most interesting beer going these days, so come thirsty. —Nick Vadala, Philly.com, 31 May 2018

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, ultimately from Middle Dutch veerdel fourth, from veer four; akin to Old English fēower — more at four

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for firkin

• jerkin
• zircon

Kids Definition

firkin

noun

fir·​kin ˈfər-kən 

: a small wooden container or barrel