coomb

Definition

An old English measure of corn (e.g., wheat), equal to half a quarter or 4 bushels.

Etymology

From Middle English *comb, *cumb (> Scots cumb, coom (“tub, cistern”)), from Old English cumb (“a vessel; a liquid measure”), from Proto-Germanic *kumbaz (“bowl, vessel”). Compare German Kumpf (“bowl”). Alternatively, perhaps from Latin cumba (“boat, tomb of stone”), from Ancient Greek κύμβη (kúmbē, “hollow of a vessel, cup, boat”).

Example Sentences

• "It was equal to half a quarter, i.e. is identical with the coomb of the eastern counties."
• "Two kilderkins, or strikes, make a measure called a barrel, liquid, and a coomb, dry; this last term being ancient and little used."