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Glite Dictionary
fistmele

fistmele

9.9
A distance in archery from the bowstring to the handle, about seven inches
  • noun
  • /ˈfɪstˌmiːl/
  • Archaic
: fistmele
  • The archer measured the fistmele to ensure his bow was properly strung.

Examples

  • Traditional English longbows are often checked for the correct fistmele before use.

  • A gap wider than the standard fistmele could affect accuracy and power.

  • The proper fistmele is critical for accurate shooting.

  • Can you show me the correct fistmele for this bow?

  • The archer measured the fistmele to ensure his bow was properly strung.

  • Traditional English longbows are often checked for the correct fistmele before use.

  • A gap wider than the standard fistmele could affect accuracy and power.

How Long

yard
∞ 1.0
cubit
  • Archaic
5 9.9
fistmele
  • Archaic
9.9
palm
  • Archaic
1 9.7
inch
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

fistmele singular
fistmeles plural

Morphology

fistmele = fist (semi-transparent) = fist + mele

The element 'fist' clearly signals the size reference, but 'mele' is an archaic/obscure measure term unfamiliar to most learners, so the base is only partly recognizable.

Etymology

The word fistmele comes from Old English parts fist and mæl, meaning 'fist' and 'measure'. So it literally meant a 'fist measure' and names the gap about the width of a fist between a bowstring and the handle.