a measure of length used both by the Greeks and the Romans. The Grecian palmus was of two sorts,—the greater (παλμοῦς), which contained nine finger-breadths, and the less (παλμοῦς), which contained four. The Roman palmus was also of two sorts,—the greater, which contained twelve finger-breadths, or about 9 inches English; and the less, which contained four finger-breadths, or about 3 inches English. The greater palmus was taken from the length of the hand or span, the less from the breadth of it. (See WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.)