Emily Dickinson Lexicon

HOGS'HEAD, n. [D. oxhoofd; G. oxhoft; Dan. oxehoved; Sw. oxhufvud; that is, oxhead. The English orthography is grossly corrupt.]

1. A measure of capacity, containing 63 gallons.
2. In America, this name is often given to a butt, a cask containing from 110 to 120 gallons; as, a hogshead of spirit or melasses.
3. A large cask of indefinite contents. Bacon.