Emily Dickinson Lexicon

GILL, n.² [Low L. gilla, gillo or gello, a drinking glass, a gill. This word has the same elementary letters as Gr. γαυλος, a pail or bucket, and Eng. gallon, probably from one of the roots in Gl, which signify to hold or contain.]

1. A measure of capacity, containing the fourth part of a pint. It is said to be in some places in England, half a pint. Encyc.
2. A measure among miners, equal to a pint. Carew.