anker

noun

an·​ker
ˈäŋkər,
ˈa-
plural -s
1
: a unit of capacity:
a
: an old Dutch and German liquid measure used in various countries of Europe especially for spirits and equal to about 9 to 10.5 U.S. gallons (30 to 40 liters)
b
: a U.S. unit equal to 10 gallons (37.85 liters)
c
: a unit of South Africa equal to 7¹/₂ imperial gallons (34.10 liters)
2
: a cask or keg having a capacity of one anker

Word History

Etymology

Dutch, probably from Medieval Latin ancheria, anceria

First Known Use

1673, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of anker was in 1673

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Cite this Entry

“Anker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anker. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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