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 $3\frac{1}{2}$ 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 Essex butter weighs 166 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.