braccio

American  

[brah-choh, -chee-oh] / ˈbrɑ tʃoʊ, -tʃiˌoʊ /

noun

plural

braccia

1. an old Italian unit of length, usually about 26 or 27 inches (66 or 68 centimeters), but varying between 18 and 28 inches (46 and 71 centimeters).

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Etymology

Origin of braccio

First recorded in 1750–60; from Italian: literally, “an arm,” from Latin bracchium; see brace

Example Sentences

A few years later when he was in Rome, he sought out a shop which sold measuring sticks and acquired a Florentine braccio.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

The Venetian braccio was longer than the Florentine, which would have made Galileo’s measurements much more nearly accurate.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

They are the chief persons of the obsolete commedia a braccio, and have their nationality and peculiarities marked by immemorial attribution.

From Venetian Life by Howells, William Dean

The work is to be completed in one year, and the canons are to pay for it at the rate of ten florins every square braccio, Florentine measure.

From Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science Volume 17, No. 102, June, 1876 by Various

For similar reasons, the Venetian chains cost per braccio, No. 0, the finest, 60 francs; No. 1, 40 francs; Nos.

From Principles Of Political Economy by Lalor, John J. (John Joseph)