hogshead
[ hawgz-hed, hogz- ]
/ ˈhɔgzˌhɛd, ˈhɒgz- /
noun
a large cask, especially one containing from 63 to 140 gallons (238 to 530 liters).
any of various units of liquid measure, especially one equivalent to 63 gallons (238 liters). Abbreviation: hhd
Origin of hogshead
1350–1400; Middle English
hoggeshed, literally, hog's head; unexplained
Words nearby hogshead
hogmolly,
hognose snake,
hognosed skunk,
hognut,
hogpen,
hogshead,
hogtie,
hogtown,
hogue,
hogwash,
hogweed
Example sentences from the Web for hogshead
British Dictionary definitions for hogshead
hogshead
/ (ˈhɒɡzˌhɛd) /
noun
a unit of capacity, used esp for alcoholic beverages. It has several values, being 54 imperial gallons in the case of beer and 52.5 imperial gallons in the case of wine
a large cask used for shipment of wines and spirits
Word Origin for hogshead
C14: of obscure origin