A "handbreadth" is a unit of length that is approximately equal to the width of an adult human hand, excluding the fingers. It is often used in various historical and cultural contexts as a convenient way to estimate small lengths or distances. The actual measurement of a handbreadth can vary somewhat depending on the size of an individual's hand, but it is typically around 3 to 4 inches (about 7.6 to 10.2 centimeters).
In some historical systems of measurement, particularly in the ancient Near East and the Bible, the handbreadth 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 cloth, the dimensions of objects, or architectural details.
While the handbreadth 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 term "long reed" does not refer to a standard unit of measurement or a widely recognized term in contemporary systems of measurement. It's possible that "long reed" is used in a specific context or industry, but it does not have a standard definition in general measurements.
If you have more context or specific information about how "long reed" is used, I would be happy to try to provide a more precise explanation.