Thanks Bill - quite interesting. I saw a lot of terms I want to know more on. I'll have to go through the entire thing when I have more than a couple of minutes.

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One question though, since we are in measurements etc.

What do English people call the old wooden yardsticks that folded up onto itself to 6inch final length. In French we call it a King's foot (un pied du roi). You never see that tool anymore but I know my Dad still has one.