Emily Dickinson Lexicon

AM'PHOR, or AM'PHO-RA, n. [L. amphora; Gr. αμφορευς or αμφιφορευς; αμφι and φορεω.]

Among the Greeks and Romans, a liquid measure. The amphora of the Romans contained about forty-eight sextaries, equal to seven gallons and a pint, English wine measure. The Grecian or Attic amphor contained about a third more. This was also, among the Romans, a dry measure of about three bushels. Among the Venetians, it is a liquid measure of sixteen quarts. This name was formerly used in England; but the capacity of the Sax. ambra is not certainly known. – LL. Inæ. Cap. 70. Wilkins, Pref. LL. Æthelstan. Spelman. Encyc.