long hundred
Definition
Noun 1. The cardinal number that is the product of ten and twelve; one hundred and twenty (120). This is a historical or archaic term for the number 120, which was used in some systems of counting, particularly in medieval England for certain commodities.
Usage
The term "long hundred" is used to specify the quantity of 120, distinguishing it from the modern standard "hundred" which equals 100. It is primarily found in historical, economic, or legal texts.
Examples
- In medieval England, a long hundred of herring consisted of 120 fish, not 100.
- The merchant ordered a long hundred of items, meaning six score.
- Some old documents refer to a "great hundred," which is synonymous with a long hundred.
Advanced Usage
- The "long hundred" is also known as a great hundred or by the Germanic term Grosshundert.
- It is part of the duodecimal (base-12) or sexagesimal (base-60) numbering systems that were historically more common than the modern decimal (base-10) system.
- The related "long thousand" sometimes referred to 1200 (ten long hundreds).
Variants and Related Words
- Great hundred (n): A direct synonym for "long hundred," meaning 120.
- Hundred (n): In modern standard usage, this means 100 (five score). The "long hundred" is the historical variant.
- Score (n): A group of twenty. A long hundred equals six score.
- Gross (n): A unit of quantity equal to twelve dozen, or 144. This is distinct from a long hundred (120).
Synonyms
- Six score
- One hundred twenty
- Great hundred
Notes on Meaning
The core meaning is exclusively the number 120. Its usage highlights the historical evolution of standardized counting and measurement systems. It is not used in contemporary everyday language except when discussing historical contexts.
Noun
-
the cardinal number that is the product of ten and twelve
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