hairbreadth

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English

Alternative forms

Etymology

hair +‎ breadth

Pronunciation

  • Lua error in Module:parameters at line 360: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "Canada" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˈhɛɹˌbɹɛdθ/

Noun

hairbreadth (plural hairbreadths)

  1. the width of a hair, a very short distance or a very small amount
    • 1749, Henry Fielding, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, volumes (please specify |volume=I to VI), London: A[ndrew] Millar, […], →OCLC:
      In short, these kind of hairbreadth missings of happiness look like the insults of Fortune, who may be considered as thus playing tricks with us, and wantonly diverting herself at our expense.
    • 1799: Charles Brockden Brown, Edgar Huntly
      This surely was a day destined to be signalized by hairbreadth escapes.
    • 1856: Wilkie Collins, After Dark
      Measure Maddalena, and measure Minerva, and from forehead to chin, you won't find a hairbreadth of difference between them.
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