ˈfərkə̇n, -ə̄k-, -əik- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English ferdkyn, firdekyn, fyrkyn, from (assumed) Middle Dutch veerdelkijn, vierdelkijn, diminutive of Middle Dutch veerdel, vierdel fourth, from veerde, vierde fourth (adjective) + -del (from deel part); akin to Old English fēortha fourth and dǣl part — more at fourth , deal
1. : a small wooden vessel or cask of indeterminate size
2. : any of various British units of capacity usually equal to 1/4 barrel: as
a. : a unit equal to 9 imperial gallons
b. : an old unit for ale equal to 8 ale gallons
3. : any of various British units of weight ; specifically : a unit for butter equal to 56 pounds