n. A small barrel of no certain dimensions, which may contain from 3 to 20 gallons.
n. A measure for liquids, as for wine, usually 18.5 gallons.
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
n. A small barrel of no certain dimensions. It may contain from 3 to 20 gallons, but it usually holds about 141/2 gallons.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. A small barrel; a unit of capacity, equal, according to statutes of 1439 and 1483, to 18 1/2 gallons, but in modern times usually reckoned at 18 gallons.
Word Usage
"Two firkins, or bushels, make a measure called a rundlet or kilderkin, liquid, and a strike, dry."