HOGSHEAD, a cask for holding liquor or other commodi ties, such as tobacco, sugar, molasses, etc. ; also a liquid measure of capacity, varying with the contents. As a measure for beer, cider, etc., it equals 54 gallons. A statute of Richard III. (1483) fixed the hogshead of wine at 63 wine-gallons, i.e., 524 imperial gallons. The etymology of the word is disputed.