Barleycorn: meaning, definitions and examples
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barleycorn
[ ˈbɑːrliˌkɔrn ]
measure unit
Barleycorn is an old unit of measurement that is equal to one-third of an inch or 8.46 mm. It originated from the actual grain of barley, which was used to standardize measurements in medieval England.
Synonyms
grain, inch, measurement.
Examples of usage
- The tailor measured the fabric in barleycorns.
- The height of the child was recorded in barleycorns.
- Back in the day, barleycorn served as a common measure for shoe sizes.
Etymology
The term 'barleycorn' has its roots in the early English language, tracing back to the Old English word 'baerlicorn', which literally means 'barley grain'. During the medieval period, barley was a common crop and grain, widely used in the diet of the populace and thus became a measure for other commodities. The usage of barleycorn as a term gained popularity due to its practical implications in everyday life, particularly in commerce and trade. It also found its way into the context of shoemaking, where it was standardized as a unit of measurement for sizes. Over the centuries, the barleycorn has diminished in common usage but is still referenced in historical contexts, especially in discussions around old systems of measurement and agricultural practices.