<P> The cubit is an ancient unit based on the forearm length from the tip of the middle finger to the bottom of the elbow . Cubits of various lengths were employed in many parts of the world in antiquity, during the Middle Ages and as recently as Early Modern Times . The term is still used in hedge laying, the length of the forearm being frequently used to determine the interval between stakes placed within the hedge . </P> <P> The English word "cubit" comes from the Latin noun cubitus "elbow", from the verb cubo, cubare, cubui, cubitum "to lie down", from which also comes the adjective "recumbent". </P>

The cubit is an ancient unit of length based on the distance