Fir"kin (?), n. [From AS. feower four (or an allied word, perh. Dutch or Danish) + -kin. See Four.]
1.
A varying measure of capacity, usually being the fourth part of a barrel; specifically, a measure equal to nine imperial gallons.
[Eng.]
2.
A small wooden vessel or cask of indeterminate size, -- used for butter, lard, etc.
[U.S.]
© Webster 1913.