braccio

American  

[brah-choh, -chee-oh] / ˈbrɑ tʃoʊ, -tʃiˌoʊ /

noun

plural

braccia

1. an old Italian unit of length, usually about 26 or 27 inches (66 or 68 centimeters), but varying between 18 and 28 inches (46 and 71 centimeters).

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Etymology

Origin of braccio

First recorded in 1750–60; from Italian: literally, “an arm,” from Latin bracchium; see brace

Example Sentences

The Venetian braccio was longer than the Florentine, which would have made Galileo’s measurements much more nearly accurate.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

A few years later when he was in Rome, he sought out a shop which sold measuring sticks and acquired a Florentine braccio.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Giuliano also made the model of the whole altar, which stood at a distance of one braccio and a half from the ornament of the choir.

From Lives of the most Eminent Painters Sculptors and Architects Vol 07 (of 10) Tribolo to Il Sodoma by Vasari, Giorgio

Il poeta è un grande artiere, Che al mestiere Fece i muscoli d'acciaio, Capo ha fier, collo robusto, Nudo il busto, Duro il braccio, e l'occhio gaio.

From ?mile Verhaeren by Zweig, Stefan

About this time Sandro received a commission to paint a small picture with figures three parts of a braccio high,—the subject an Adoration of the Magi.

From Ariadne Florentina Six Lectures on Wood and Metal Engraving by Ruskin, John