Span
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Definition
The span is an ancient unit of length equal to the width of an outstretched hand from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger, standardized at approximately 23 cm (9 inches).
Explanation
Half a cubit, the span was widely used in ancient Hebrew, Greek, and Roman measurement. Goliath's height in the Bible is given as 'six cubits and a span,' roughly 2.9 meters. Like other body-based units, it varied between individuals; standardization came later through royal decrees or reference artifacts. It survives in horse height measurement, where 'hands' (10 cm) replaced the older span.
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