Hand (unit)

The term hand or hand-width refers to a measure of length based on the width of the palm. It puts this measure since ancient times using different names and definitions:

• 4 finger widths ( = ¼ feet, depending on the definition of the foot about 7.62 cm) in ancient Egypt: Schesep = 4 Djeba, 7.48 cm
• In ancient Greece: παλαιστή ( palaiste ) = 4 δάκτυλοι ( daktyloi ) = ¼ πους ( pous )
• In ancient Rome: digitus palmus = 4 = ¼ pes

• As "hands " or "hands high" in English as size measurement for horses ( depending on the definition for customs or walk about 10.16 cm)

The hand as a measure is also mentioned in the Bible.

Fist

From the Islamic culture, the " fist length" is known as the shortest length to which the beard should be trimmed to match the length of the thumb ( ie about an inch ). In Austria, there was, the length of thumb, which was used for measuring the height of a horse and thus the English " hands" corresponded.

Phrase

In maritime circles the saying is: " May there always be water under the keel " widespread, as a desire not to run aground, similar to " Break a leg " while skiing.