cubit

American  

[kyoo-bit] / ˈkyu bɪt /

noun

1. an ancient linear unit based on the length of the forearm, from elbow to the tip of the middle finger, usually from 17 to 21 inches (43 to 53 centimeters).

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cubit British  

/ ˈkjuːbɪt /

noun

1. an ancient measure of length based on the length of the forearm

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Etymology

Origin of cubit

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, Old English, from Latin cubitum “elbow, cubit”; perhaps akin to cubāre “to lie down”