Ell

An ell (from Proto-Indo-European *el- "elbow, forearm"), is a unit of measurement, approximating the distance from the elbow to the wrist.

Several different national forms existed, with different lengths, including the Scottish ell (approximately 37 inches), the Flemish ell (approximately 27 inches) and the Polish ell (0.78 metres, approximately 31 inches).

In England, this was usually 45 inches, "i.e." 1.143 m (for the international inch). It was mainly used in the tailoring business but is now obsolete. It was derived from the length of the arm from the shoulder to the wrist, although the exact length was never defined in English law.

Sometimes "ell" is used as an alias for the cubit.

An ell-wand or ellwand was a rod of length one ell used for official measurement. Edward I of England required that every town have one. In Scotland, the Belt of Orion was called "the King's Ellwand." [ [http://www.infoplease.com/dictionary/brewers/ell-wand.html infoplease.com] , "OED" "s." Ell-wand. ] [ [http://content-www.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/89685.html cricinfo] ]

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