KILDERKIN Meaning and
Definition
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A kilderkin is a term used to describe a specific measurement unit for holding liquids, especially beer or ale. It refers to a small cask or barrel with a capacity of approximately 18 English gallons or 67.5 liters. The origin of the word can be traced back to 17th-century Britain, where it was commonly used in the brewing industry.
The term kilderkin originated from the Middle Dutch word "kilderkin" or "kilderken," which means a small barrel or tub. It typically stands around 26 inches in height and has a sturdy construction to support the weight of the liquid it contains. The primary purpose of a kilderkin was to store and transport beverages, particularly in small-scale breweries or pubs.
Due to its specific volume, a kilderkin is larger than a firkin, which holds approximately 9 gallons, but smaller than a hogshead, which contains roughly 54 gallons. It was often used as a measurement unit when purchasing or selling beer, allowing for standardized transactions in the brewing industry.
Over time, the adoption and usage of the kilderkin have declined, replaced by the metric system and other modern measurement units. Nowadays, the term is primarily found in historical contexts or in specialized literature related to brewing or British history.
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A small barrel containing 18 gallons.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for KILDERKIN
- jilderkin
- milderkin
- lilderkin
- oilderkin
- iilderkin
- kulderkin
- kjlderkin
- kklderkin
- kolderkin
- k9lderkin
- k8lderkin
- kikderkin
- kipderkin
- kioderkin
- kilserkin
- kilxerkin
- kilcerkin
- kilferkin
- kilrerkin
Etymology of KILDERKIN
The word "kilderkin" is derived from the Middle Dutch word "kildekijn" which means "small wooden vessel" or "little cask". During the late Middle Ages, "kilderkin" was anglicized and used in English to refer to a specific size of cask used for liquids, usually equal to about 16 gallons. The term is no longer widely used in modern English, but it originated from the Dutch word and gradually developed its own meaning in the English language.
Similar spelling words for KILDERKIN
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