Definition and Measurement
A hogshead is a unit of measure for liquids, primarily used for alcoholic beverages like wine, ale, or cider. It is measured in either imperial or US customary measures. The volume of a hogshead can vary, but it is generally around 63 gallons of cider.
Key Facts
- Measurement: A hogshead is a unit of measure for liquids, primarily applied to alcoholic beverages like wine, ale, or cider. It is measured in either imperial or US customary measures.
- Volume: The volume of a hogshead can vary, but it is generally around 63 gallons of cider.
- Origin: The word “hogshead” has its origin in various forms in Germanic languages, such as Dutch “oxhooft” and Danish “oxehoved”.
- Standardization: The hogshead was first standardized by an act of Parliament in 1423, but the standards continued to vary by locality and content. In Britain, a hogshead contains about 300 liters (66 imperial gallons or 79 US gallons).
- Tobacco Hogshead: In British and American colonial times, a tobacco hogshead was used to transport and store tobacco. It was a very large wooden barrel measuring 48 inches long and 30 inches in diameter at the head.
- Other Uses: Hogsheads were also used as a unit of measurement for sugar in Louisiana and for herring fished for sardines in certain areas.
Etymology
The word “hogshead” has its origin in various forms in Germanic languages, such as Dutch “oxhooft” and Danish “oxehoved”. It is believed to be derived from the name for a cask or liquid measure appearing in various forms in Germanic languages, referring to a cask or liquid measure made from the skin or hide of a hog.
Standardization
The hogshead was first standardized by an act of Parliament in 1423, but the standards continued to vary by locality and content. In Britain, a hogshead contains about 300 liters (66 imperial gallons or 79 US gallons).
Tobacco Hogshead
In British and American colonial times, a tobacco hogshead was used to transport and store tobacco. It was a very large wooden barrel measuring 48 inches long and 30 inches in diameter at the head.
Other Uses
Hogsheads were also used as a unit of measurement for sugar in Louisiana and for herring fished for sardines in certain areas.
Conclusion
The hogshead is a unit of measure for liquids, particularly alcoholic beverages like cider, with a volume of around 63 gallons. Its origin can be traced back to Germanic languages, and it was standardized by an act of Parliament in 1423. Hogsheads were also used for measuring tobacco and other commodities.
References
- Frecon Farms: Cider Education
- Wikipedia: Hogshead
- Pioneer Girl: Hogshead
FAQs
What is a hogshead?
A hogshead is a unit of measure for liquids, primarily used for alcoholic beverages like wine, ale, or cider. It is measured in either imperial or US customary measures.
How much cider does a hogshead contain?
The volume of a hogshead can vary, but it is generally around 63 gallons of cider.
Where did the term “hogshead” originate?
The word “hogshead” has its origin in various forms in Germanic languages, such as Dutch “oxhooft” and Danish “oxehoved”. It is believed to be derived from the name for a cask or liquid measure made from the skin or hide of a hog.
When was the hogshead standardized?
The hogshead was first standardized by an act of Parliament in 1423, but the standards continued to vary by locality and content.
What was a tobacco hogshead?
In British and American colonial times, a tobacco hogshead was used to transport and store tobacco. It was a very large wooden barrel measuring 48 inches long and 30 inches in diameter at the head.
Was the hogshead used for measuring anything other than cider?
Yes, hogsheads were also used as a unit of measurement for sugar in Louisiana and for herring fished for sardines in certain areas.
Is the hogshead still used today?
The hogshead is still used today, primarily for measuring and storing alcoholic beverages like wine, ale, and cider.
What is the significance of the hogshead in the context of cider?
The hogshead is a traditional unit of measure for cider, and it is often used to describe the quantity of cider produced by a cider maker or the amount of cider contained in a particular vessel or container.