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
- butt
- cask
- hogshead
- keg
- kilderkin
- pipe
- puncheon
- rundlet
- runlet
- tun
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
the innkeeper opened up a firkin of his special ale for the weary travelers
Recent Examples on the Web Artwork will be displayed in The Loft alongside a fiery firkin keg. 
Anchorage Daily News, 4 Feb. 2021 Clendaniel will be tapping a firkin of 2014 Sloth imperial Belgian-style stout cask-conditioned with blackberries to start the show. Anchorage Daily News, 4 June 2020 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 Meet the artist and sip on a firkin during the opening reception at 5 p.m. On view through August. Anchorage Daily News, 1 Aug. 2019 The artist will be there to tap a firkin of Sloth Imperial Belgian Stout cask-conditioned with tart cherries soaked in cabernet to kick things off. Anchorage Daily News, 6 June 2019 Also look for Riverwest Stein, Eastside Dark, IPA, New Grist Pilsner and a daily firkin from Lakefront. Kathy Flanigan, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 17 May 2018 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 Sample unique, locally brewed firkin beers, as well as traditional beers from local brewers. Michelle Jenkins, idahostatesman, 26 Jan. 2018 See More
Anchorage Daily News, 4 Feb. 2021 Clendaniel will be tapping a firkin of 2014 Sloth imperial Belgian-style stout cask-conditioned with blackberries to start the show. Anchorage Daily News, 4 June 2020 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 Meet the artist and sip on a firkin during the opening reception at 5 p.m. On view through August. Anchorage Daily News, 1 Aug. 2019 The artist will be there to tap a firkin of Sloth Imperial Belgian Stout cask-conditioned with tart cherries soaked in cabernet to kick things off. Anchorage Daily News, 6 June 2019 Also look for Riverwest Stein, Eastside Dark, IPA, New Grist Pilsner and a daily firkin from Lakefront. Kathy Flanigan, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 17 May 2018 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 Sample unique, locally brewed firkin beers, as well as traditional beers from local brewers. Michelle Jenkins, idahostatesman, 26 Jan. 2018 See More 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
firkin
noun
as in barrel
an enclosed wooden vessel for holding beverages the innkeeper opened up a firkin of his special ale for the weary travelers Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- barrel
- keg
- cask
- hogshead
- tun
- pipe
- puncheon
- butt
- tub
- rundlet
- vat
- kilderkin
- cistern
- runlet
- drum
- scuttlebutt
- can