■ noun
1》 a cylindrical container bulging out in the middle, traditionally made of wooden staves enclosed by metal hoops.
↘a measure of capacity for oil and beer, equal to 36 imperial gallons for beer and 35 imperial gallons or 42 US gallons (roughly 159 litres) for oil.
2》 a cylindrical tube forming part of an object such as a gun or a pen.
3》 the belly and loins of a four-legged animal such as a horse.
■ verb ( ~s , ~ling , ~led ; US ~s , ~ing , ~ed )
1》 informal, chiefly N. Amer. drive or move very fast.
2》 put into a ~ or ~s.
Phrases
over a ~ informal in a severely disadvantageous position.
with both ~s informal with unrestrained force.
Origin
ME: from OFr. baril , from med. L. barriclus 'small cask'.