Toise

A toise (French pronunciation: [twaz]; symbol: T) is a unit of measure for length, area and volume originating in pre-revolutionary France. In North America, it was used in colonial French establishments in early New France, French Louisiana (Louisiane), Acadia (Acadie) and Quebec. The related toesa (Portuguese pronunciation: [tuˈezɐ]) was used in Portugal, Brazil, and other parts of the Portuguese Empire until the adoption of the metric system.

The name is derived from the Latin tensa brachia, meaning "outstretched arms".[1]

In this illustration from 1702, "B" marks the place outside the Grand Châtelet in Paris where the standard toise was displayed. "A" shows a straight toise ruler, "D" a folding one.
  1. ^ "toise". Oxford English Dictionary (Online ed.). Oxford University Press. (Subscription or participating institution membership required.)