handbreadth

American

[hand-bredth, -bretth] / ˈhændˌbrɛdθ, -ˌbrɛtθ /

Also hand'sbreadth

noun

a unit of linear measure from 2½ to 4 inches (6.4 to 10 centimeters).

handbreadth British

/ -ˌbrɛdθ, ˈhændˌbrɛtθ /

noun

the width of a hand used as an indication of length

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of handbreadth

First recorded in 1525–35; hand + breadth

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Never!" replied Napoleon; "I shall know how to die, but I will not yield a handbreadth of soil."

From Beacon Lights of History, Volume 09 European Statesmen by Lord, John

Also the trunk, snout, or proboscis of the elephant is armed with a sword fastened to it, two cubits long, very strong, and a handbreadth in width.

From A General History and Collection of Voyages and Travels — Volume 07 by Kerr, Robert

A handbreadth of basis is enough for me, if it be actually basis and ground!

From Thus Spake Zarathustra A book for all and none by Nietzsche, Friedrich Wilhelm

—A handbreadth of basis: thereon can one stand.

From Thus Spake Zarathustra A book for all and none by Nietzsche, Friedrich Wilhelm

Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth, and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity.

From The Annals of the Poor by Richmond, Legh

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023