handbreadth

[ hand-bredth, -bretth ]

/ ˈhændˌbrɛdθ, -ˌbrɛtθ /

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noun

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

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Also hand's·breadth

[handz-bredth, -bretth, -breth]. /ˈhændzˌbrɛdθ, -ˌbrɛtθ, -ˌbrɛθ/.

Origin of handbreadth

First recorded in 1525–35; hand + breadth

Words nearby handbreadth

handblown, handbook, handbound, hand brake, handbrake turn, handbreadth, h and c, handcar, hand-carry, handcart, handclap

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use handbreadth in a sentence

And the borders of them were of one handbreadth, turned inwards round about: and upon the tables was the flesh of the offering.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various
But the great arrow had pierced right through her shoulder, and stood out a handbreadth upon the other side.
A Heroine of France|Evelyn Everett-Green
Then, a handbreadth above the angle, he made a round hole with the sipke of the tomahawk, and called for a revolver.
The Boss of Taroomba|E. W. Hornung
Some who carried war-clubs rushed forward and struck the post within a handbreadth of his head.
Running Fox|Elmer Russell Gregor

Behold, my days are as a handbreadth before Thee, and my life as nothing in Thy sight.
Morning and Evening Prayers for All Days of the Week|John Habermann

British Dictionary definitions for handbreadth

handbreadth

hand's-breadth

/ (ˈhændˌbrɛtθ, -ˌbrɛdθ) /

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