\Hogs"head\, n. [D. okshoofd; akin to Sw. oxhufvud,
Dan. oxehoved, G. oxhoft; apparently meaning orig., ox head,
but it is not known why this name was given. Cf. {Ox},
{Head}.]
1. An English measure of capacity, containing 63 wine
   gallons, or about 52? imperial gallons; a half pipe.
Note: The London hogshead of beer was 54 beer gallons, the
      London hogshead of ale was 48 ale gallons. Elsewhere in
      England the ale and beer hogsheads held 51 gallons.
      These measures are no longer in use, except for cider.
2. A large cask or barrel, of indefinite contents; esp. one
   containing from 100 to 140 gallons. [U. S.]