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  

/ ˈhændˌbrɛtθ, -ˌbrɛdθ /

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

See Examples For:

handbreadth

And when it rained hardest, whatever he carried remained dry above and below his hand to the distance of a handbreadth, so great was his natural heat.

From The Religion of the Ancient Celts by J. A. MacCulloch

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 S. R. (Samuel Rutherford) Crockett

Off went the skin an handbreadth all about.

From The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems by D. Laing Purves

Three lawful handbreadths: a handbreadth between shoes and hose, a handbreadth between ear and hair, a handbreadth between the fringe of the tunic and the knee.

From The Triads of Ireland by Kuno Meyer

Behold, my days are as a handbreadth before Thee, and my life as nothing in Thy sight.

From Morning and Evening Prayers for All Days of the Week Together With Confessional, Communion, and Other Prayers and Hymns for Mornings and Evenings, and Other Occasions by John Habermann