handbreadth

Definition

A space equal to the breadth of the hand; a palm.

Etymology

Alteration (due to breadth) of Middle English handbrede, hondbrede (“handbreadth”); equivalent to hand + breadth. Cognate with Saterland Frisian Houndebratte (“handbreadth”), West Frisian hânbreedte (“handbreadth”), Dutch handbreedte (“handbreadth”), German Handbreite (“handbreadth”) and Handbreit, Swedish handsbredd (“handbreadth”), Norwegian håndsbredd (“handbreadth”), Icelandic handbreidd (“handbreadth”).

Example Sentences

• "Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee:"
• "[…] I saw the library casement open a handbreadth; I knew I might be watched thence; so I went apart into the orchard."
• "She followed him into the scullery, and combed her hair before the handbreadth of mirror by the back door."