A "fingerbreadth" is a unit of length that is approximately equal to the width of an adult human finger. It is often used informally and in various historical and cultural contexts as a convenient way to estimate small lengths or distances. The actual measurement of a fingerbreadth can vary somewhat depending on the size of an individual's finger, but it is typically around 1 inch (about 2.54 centimeters) or slightly less.
In some historical systems of measurement, particularly in ancient cultures, the fingerbreadth was used as a standardized unit for measuring length. It was one of the smaller units within a larger system of measurement, often used for small-scale applications like measuring the dimensions of objects, architectural details, or jewelry.
While the fingerbreadth is not a commonly used unit of measurement in modern times, it remains a useful and intuitive way to approximate small lengths informally, especially when a quick estimate is needed.
The "vara castellana" is a historical unit of length that was used in Spain. It was commonly used for land measurement and other purposes in various regions of Spain, especially in the Castile region, which is why it is called the "castellana" vara. The exact length of the vara castellana could vary by region and historical period.
In general, the vara castellana was approximately 835.9 millimeters or about 32.91 inches in length. However, variations existed, and in different parts of Spain and at different times in history, the length of the vara castellana could differ slightly.
Like many historical units of measurement, the vara castellana has largely been replaced by more standardized and modern systems of measurement, such as the metric system. In contemporary Spain, the metric system is the standard for length measurement.