BARREL, in commerce, a round vessel, extending more in length than in breadth, made of wood, in form of a little tun. See TUN.
It serves for holding several sorts of merchandize.
Barrel is also a measure of liquids. The English barrel, wine-measure, contains the eighth part of a tun, the fourth part of a pipe, and one half of a hog-head; that is to say, it contains thirty-one gallons and a half: A barrel, beer-measure, contains thirty-six gallons; and, ale-measure, thirty-two gallons. The barrel of beer, vinegar, or liquor preparing for vinegar, ought to contain thirty-four gallons, according to the standard of the ale quart.