arshin

American  

[ahr-sheen] / ɑrˈʃin /

Also archine,

noun

1. a Russian unit of length equal to 28 inches (71 centimeters).

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Etymology

Origin of arshin

First recorded in 1725–35; from Russian arshín, from Tatar aršïn or a cognate Turkic word, ultimately from Persian

Example Sentences

To Chichikov's curses at Selifan for not having drawn out of the way with more alacrity a rural constable with moustaches of the length of an arshin added his quota.

From Dead Souls by Hogarth, D. J.

Sometimes Vologonov knocks at the partition-wall with a superannuated arshin measure which has only fifteen vershoki of its length remaining.

From Through Russia by Hogarth, C. J.

An arshin is 0.77 of a yard, so any one who knows decimals can tell exactly how high the little man was and the precise length of his beard.

From Old Peter's Russian Tales by Mitrokhin, Dmitri

It stands the Government in about a rouble the arshin, and sells for two roubles.

From The American Quarterly Review, No. 17, March 1831 by Walsh, Robert

As almost every one with claims to respectability, and certainly every one without any, keeps a consul, it follows that there is one consul per superficial meter, arshin, or cubit of Ezekiel within the city.

From Letters of Travel (1892-1913) by Kipling, Rudyard