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    What does the phrase "rule of thumb" mean and where did it originate?

    Question #45049. Asked by peasypod. (Mar 08 04 6:43 AM)


    robboy

    		As a wood butcher, I already knew it to be a measurement carry over, but I kind of like the notion of using the thickness gauge for a stick to beat the wife... think I'll go see if it's still on the books around here.
    http://www.quinion.com/words/qa/qa-rul1.htm

    Mar 08 04, 6:57 AM
    hummerh3

    		"Rule of thumb" has nothing to do with an old English ruling that a man could not beat his wife with anything wider than his thumb.

    http://www.straightdope.com/columns/000512.html

    Mar 08 04, 2:20 PM

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