The gill (pronounced[1] /ˈdʒɪl/) is a unit of measurement for volume equal to a quarter of a pint.[2] It is no longer in common use, except in regard to the volume of alcoholic spirits measures but it is also kept alive by the occasional reference, such as in the cumulative song, "The Barley Mow".[3]
| 1 imperial gill | ≡ 5 imperial fluid ounces |
| ≡ 142.0653125 ml[4] | |
| ≈ 142 ml | |
| ≈ 1.2 US gills |
In Great Britain, the standard single measure of spirits in a pub was 1⁄6 gill (23.7 ml) in England, and 1⁄5 gill (28.4 ml) in Scotland; though this has now been replaced by either 25 or 35 ml (0.176- or 0.246-gill) measures (Landlords can choose which one to serve). The 1⁄4 gill was previously the most common measure in Scotland, and still remains as the standard measure in pubs in Ireland. In southern England, it is also called a noggin. In northern England, however, the large noggin is used, which is two gills. In some areas, a gill came to mean half a pint for both beer and milk.[6]