tierce

1

In the English-speaking world, a unit of liquid capacity, one-third of a pipe (hence the name “tierce,” meaning third). See wine barrel for a chart tracing its changes in size and its relation to other wine measures.

In the United States the tierce was used for lard, and became the barrel of petroleum.

2

Sometimes spelled “terce.” Among the medieval Christians of Europe, the period of the day from sunrise to midmorning. The other divisions of the day were sext, none, and vespers.