handbreadth

American  

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

Also hand'sbreadth

noun

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

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handbreadth British  

/ -ˌbrɛdθ, ˈhændˌbrɛtθ /

noun

1. the width of a hand used as an indication of length

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Etymology

Origin of handbreadth

First recorded in 1525–35; hand + breadth

Example Sentences

Man stands as in the centre of Nature; his fraction of Time encircled by Eternity, his handbreadth of Space encircled by Infinitude: how shall he forbear asking himself, What am I; and Whence; and Whither?

From A Century of English Essays An Anthology Ranging from Caxton to R. L. Stevenson & the Writers of Our Own Time by Rhys, Ernest

—A handbreadth of basis: thereon can one stand.

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

Suddenly the Sub came to a dead stop almost within a handbreadth of the levelled bayonet of the Turkish sentry.

From The Fight for Constantinople A Story of the Gallipoli Peninsula by Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)

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

There was not a handbreadth of shade anywhere, and the iron handles and girds of the barred windows were nearly red-hot.

From The Firebrand by Crockett, S. R. (Samuel Rutherford)