hogshead

 
Pronunciation: /ˈhɒgzˌhɛd/
(abbreviation: hhd)

noun

  • a large cask.
  • a measure of capacity for wine, equal to 52.5 imperial gallons or 63 US gallons (238.7 litres).
  • a measure of capacity for beer, equal to 54 imperial gallons or 64 US gallons (245.5 litres).

Origin:

Middle English: from hog + head; the reason for the term is unknown