Definition

Noun: 1. A unit of linear measurement: A handbreadth is a traditional unit of length, approximately equal to the width of a human hand, typically measured across the palm at the base of the fingers. It is often standardized as about 4 inches or 10 centimeters.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The ancient text described the altar as being ten handbreadths high.
  • He measured the width of the small box, finding it to be roughly two handbreadths.

Advanced Usage

• "By a handbreadth": by a very small margin or distance.
  • The arrow missed the target by only a handbreadth.

Variants and Related Words

• Hand (n): When used as a unit of measure, especially for the height of horses, a "hand" is equal to 4 inches. This is distinct from "handbreadth," though they are related historically.
• Palm (n): Can also refer to a similar informal unit of length based on the width of the palm.

Synonyms

• Palm: (as a unit of measure)
• Hand's breadth: A direct synonym, often used interchangeably.

Notes on Meaning

• This word is primarily used in historical, biblical, or descriptive contexts rather than in modern, precise measurement. It conveys an approximate, human-scale dimension.

Noun

1. any unit of length based on the breadth of the human hand