Standard Lemma guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
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noun
An obsolete unit of length defined as 6 inches, which equals 2 palms or 2⁄3 span; today 6 inches equals exactly 15.24 cm. (Before the 12th century, a shaftment was defined as 6+1⁄2 inches.)
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Traditionally the width of the fist and outstretched thumb.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
From Middle English schaftmonde, from Old English sċeaftmund (“a palm, a palm's length”), equivalent to shaft + mound (“hand”).
