%firkin%

n. [ From AS. feówer 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. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A small wooden vessel or cask of indeterminate size, -- used for butter, lard, etc. [ U.S. ] [ 1913 Webster ]