Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Hogshead

Hogs′head

,
Noun.
[D.
okshoofd
; akin to Sw.
oxhufvud
, Dan.
oxehoved
, G.
oxhoft
; apparently meaning orig., ox head, but it is not known why this name was given. Cf.
Ox
,
Head
.]
1.
An English measure of capacity, containing 63 wine gallons, or about 52½ imperial gallons; a half pipe.
☞ The London hogshead of beer was 54 beer gallons, the London hogshead of ale was 48 ale gallons. Elsewhere in England the ale and beer hogsheads held 51 gallons. These measures are no longer in use, except for cider.
2.
A large cask or barrel, of indefinite contents; esp. one containing from 100 to 140 gallons.
[U. S.]

Webster 1828 Edition

Hogshead

HOGS'HEAD

,
Noun.
[the English orthography is grossly corrupt.]
1.
A measure of capacity, containing 63 gallons.
2.
In America,this name is often given to a butt, a cask containing from 110 to 120 gallons; as a hogshead of spirit or molasses.
3.
A large cask, of indefinite contents.

Similar Results