A large cask for liquids, usually containing liquor; a liquid
measure containing 63 old wine-gallons (equal to 52 imperial gallons).
Abbreviated hhd.
This content was prescribed by a statute of 1423: "The London hogshead of
beer contained 54 gallons, that of
ale 48 gallons; elsewhere the hogshead of ale or
beer contained 51 gallons."