1. hogshead(n = noun.quantity) - a British unit of capacity for alcoholic beverages;
is a kind of british capacity unit, imperial capacity unit
has parts: barrel, bbl
2. hogshead(n = noun.artifact) - a large cask especially one holding 63 gals;
is a kind of barrel, cask
1. An English measure of capacity, containing 63 wine gallons, or about 52
" The London hogshead of beer was 54 beer gallons, the London hogshead of ale was 48 ale gallons. Elsewhere in England the ale and beer hogsheads held 51 gallons. These measures are no longer in use, except for cider." [1913 Webster]
2. A large cask or barrel, of indefinite contents; esp. one containing from 100 to 140 gallons. [1913 Webster]
hogshead, n.
1 a large cask.
2 a liquid or dry measure, usu. about 50 imperial gallons.
Etymology:
ME f. HOG, HEAD: reason for the name unkn.