half-length

[ haf-lengkth, -length, -lenth, hahf- ]

noun

1. something that is only half a full length or height, especially a portrait that shows only the upper half of the body, including the hands.

adjective

1. of half the complete length or height.

half-length

adjective

1. (of a portrait) showing only the body from the waist up and including the hands
2. of half the entire or original length

noun

1. a half-length portrait

Word History and Origins

Origin of half-length¹

First recorded in 1690–1700

Example Sentences

Big Evs came off the pace to win by a half-length.

From Los Angeles Times

While he lost his first three starts the following year, the last one was a half-length loss to eventual Kentucky Derby favorite Empire Builder in the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct in New York.

From Washington Times

“Lady With a Fan” depicts an unidentified young woman, bare-shouldered and shown half-length, against a backdrop of opulent Oriental textiles.

From New York Times

Ruffian was ahead by a half-length when she changed leads and both jockeys heard a cracking sound.

From Washington Times

West Newton, a 6-year-old gelding, rallied from sixth place to win by a half-length at the track in Baltimore.

From Seattle Times