A load; a heavy burden; hence, a certain weight or measure,
   generally estimated at 4,000 lbs., but varying for different articles
   and in different countries. In England, a last of codfish, white
   herrings, meal, or ashes, is twelve barrels; a last of corn, ten
   quarters, or eighty bushels, in some parts of England, twenty-one
   quarters; of gunpowder, twenty-four barrels, each containing 100 lbs;
   of red herrings, twenty cades, or 20,000; of hides, twelve dozen; of
   leather, twenty dickers; of pitch and tar, fourteen barrels; of wool,
   twelve sacks; of flax or feathers, 1,700 lbs.