Aleyard

/ˈeɪlˌjɑːrd/ noun

Definition

A unit of measurement for ale or other liquids, approximately equivalent to 4.5 gallons or about 20 liters.

Etymology

From 'ale' + 'yard' (a measurement stick), literally 'ale measurement.' Used in medieval England for standardizing beer and ale sales.

Kelly Says

Before standardized measurements, merchants could cheat customers by using different sized containers—the aleyard was an early attempt to create fair trade and honest measurements!

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