METRETA; this Word comes from the Greek Metretes, a Sort of Measure. The Author of the Vulgate uses the Word Metreta in two Passages of his Translation of the Old Testament, viz. 1 Chron. ii. 10. and iv. 5. but in both Places the Hebrew Word is Bath, which was a large Measure of Capacity, containing something above John ii. 6.fifty nine French Chopins, [or English Pints.]
The Metreta of the Greeks contained, according to some, one Hundred Pounds, according to others, fourscore and ten Pounds of Liquor. But as the Attick Pound was something less than the Paris Pound, the fourscore and ten Pounds may be reduced to sixty French Pounds .
Thus the Metreta of the Greeks comes very near to the Bath of the Hebrews. St. John says, that at the Marriage of Cana, there were six large Urns, or Stone Waterpots, containing about two or three Firkins (μετρητὰς) a piece; which Christ causing to be filled with Water, changed the same into excellent Wine.