1. a unit of length equal to the width of a hand, approximately 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 centimeters)
Usage: archaic or informal; also spelled 'hand's breadth' or 'hand breadth'

Examples

• The ancient carpenter measured the board by handsbreadths.
• The gap between the two planks was only a handsbreadth wide.
• She held the fabric up and estimated it was several handsbreadths in length.
• The old recipe called for a handsbreadth of salt, though modern cooks use teaspoons instead.
• The window was separated from the wall by a handsbreadth of space.