A "famn" is a historical unit of length used for measuring depth or distance in nautical and maritime contexts. The term "famn" is of Swedish origin and was widely used in Scandinavian countries and regions with maritime traditions.
The exact length of a famn could vary by region and historical period, but it was typically around 1.8 to 2.2 meters (approximately 5.9 to 7.2 feet). It was commonly used for measuring water depth when navigating, anchoring, or fishing.
Like many historical units of measurement related to nautical and maritime activities, the use of the famn has largely been replaced by modern and standardized systems, such as meters or feet, for precise measurements in navigation and marine industries. However, you may still encounter the term "famn" in historical or traditional maritime contexts.
An "ell" is an antiquated unit of length that has been historically used in various countries, including England, Scotland, and Germany. The length of an ell could vary depending on the region and the specific purpose, but it was typically used to measure cloth or textiles. The term "ell" is derived from the Latin word "ulna," which means "forearm," as the length of an ell was often based on the length of a person's forearm.
Different regions had their own variations of the ell, but some common measurements include:
English Ell: In England, the English ell was approximately 45 inches or 1.143 meters.
Scottish Ell: In Scotland, the Scottish ell was longer, measuring around 37 inches or 0.94 meters.
French Ell: In France, the French ell, also known as the aune, was used and had its own variations, but it was typically around 1.188 meters.
Flemish Ell: In parts of Europe, including Belgium and the Netherlands, the Flemish ell was used, which was approximately 27 inches or 0.686 meters.