in Commerce, a round vessel, extending more in length than in breadth, made of wood, in form of a little tun. It serves for holding several sorts of merchandise.

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 hogshead; that is to say, it contains 31 1/2 gallons: a barrel, beer-measure, contains 36 gallons; and ale-measure 32 gallons. The barrel of beer, vinegar, or liquor preparing for vinegar, ought to contain 34 gallons, according to the standard of the ale quart.

BARREL also denotes a certain weight of several merchandises, which differ according to the several commodities. A barrel of Exe butter weighs 106 pounds; and of Suffolk butter, 256 pounds. The barrel of herrings ought to contain 32 gallons wine-measure, which amount to about 28 gallons old standard, containing about 1000 herrings. The barrel of salmon must contain 42 gallons; the barrel of eels the same. The barrel of soap must weigh 256 lb.

in Mechanics, a term given by watchmakers to the cylinder about which the spring is wrapped; and by gunsmiths to the cylindrical tube of a gun, pistol, &c. through which the ball is discharged.

in Anatomy, a pretty large cavity behind the tympanum of the ear, about four or five lines deep, and five or six wide.

Fire BARRELS. See Fire-Ship.

Thundering BARRELS, in the military art, are filled with bombs, grenades, and other fire-works to be rolled down a breach.