Barrel
a word having many applications, including: I. Of anything shaped like a cask. (1) A cask; a vessel bulging in the middle, formed of staves surrounded by hoops, and with a bunghole to afford egress to the generally liquid contents. (2) The capacity of such a cask, supposing it to be of the normal magnitude. In one for holding liquids the capacity is usually from 30 to 45 gallons.
II. Of anything hollow and cylindrical.
The metallic tube which receives the charge in a musket or rifle. With the stock and the lock, it comprises the whole instrument.
III. Of anything cylindrical, whether hollow or not. A cylinder, and especially one about which anything is wound.
Technically.-I. Measures. As much as an ordinary barrel will hold. Specially: (1) Liquid measure. In this sense the several liquids have each a different capacity of barrel. A barrel of wine is 31/2 gallons; a barrel of oil averages from 50 to 53 gallons. (2) Dry measure. A barrel of flour contains 196 pounds. pounds II. Mechanics: The cylindrical part of a pulley.
III. Horology: (1) The barrel of a watch. The hollow cylinder or case in BARREN ISLAND which the mainspring works. It is connected with a chain by the fusee, by the winding of which the chain is unrolled from the cylinder, with the effect of winding the mainspring. (2) The chamber of a spring balance. IV. Campanology: The sonorous portion of a bell.
V. Anatomy: Barrel of the ear: A cavity behind the tympanum, covered with a fire membrane. The belly and loins of a horse or cow are technically spoken of as the barrel.
VI. Nautical: (1) The main piece of a capstan. (2) The cylinder around which the tiller-ropes are wound.
VII. Music: The cylinder studded with pins by which the keys of a musical instrument are moved.