Barrel

Barrel, primarily a large vessel for holding liquids, next a measure for various wares and quantities. The barrel of ale and beer contains 36 imperial gallons. The barrel of herring contains about 800 herrings. Barrel also signifies a certain weight or other quantity of goods usually sold in casks called barrels; of salt meat, 200 lb.; butter (4 firkins), 224 lb.; soap, 256 lb.; gunpowder, 100 lb.; flour, 196 lb.; and raisins, 112 lb. In America, flour and beef are sold on the large scale in barrels: a barrel of flour must contain 196 lb.; of beef, 200 lb. A barrel of rice contains 600 lb.; of gunpowder, 25 lb.; of fish, salt meat, or bacon, 200 lb.