What Does Keg Mean?

A keg most popularly refers a cask or barrel which has a capacity of (typically) approximately 30 gallons (that is, 114 liters). The term is generally used to describe such a container in addition to its contents. As keg is also a unit of weight which id used for nails, a measurement equal to 100 pounds (that is, 45.5 kilograms).

As a transitive verb it means to put or store something in a small barrel or cask. When referring to the contents of a keg, a synonym for the term would be the word kegful. A keg is typically a metal container that is used in order to hold beer as well as other drinks, commonly under pressure.

The word keg comes from the Middle English word kag; the term is of Scandinavian origin; from Old Norse kaggi.