Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun A liquid measure formerly used in England, and still common throughout Germany, Russia, and Denmark, having a capacity varying in different places from 9 to 10⅓ gallons. In Scotland it was equal to 20 Scotch pints. Also spelled anchor.
  • noun A former spelling of anchor.
  • A simplified spelling of anchor.
  • noun A former spelling of anchor.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun A liquid measure in various countries of Europe. The Dutch anker, formerly also used in England, contained about 10 of the old wine gallons, or 81/2 imperial gallons.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun obsolete a measure of wine or spirit equal to 10 gallons; a barrel of this capacity

Etymologies

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Examples

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  • Also spelled anchor, a small wine barrel once used in Britain and elsewhere in northern Europe to hold wine. A British anker usually held 37.85 liters; a Scottish anker held 20 Scots pints (about 34 liters).

    November 6, 2007

  • "...if your honour should want a small parcel of fine tea, or a few ankers of right Nantes, I'll be bound you shall be furnished to your heart's content."

    — Smollett, Peregrine Pickle

    January 12, 2022