The Rule of Thumb

[Forealfc]

Does anyone know the definition of " The Rule of Thumb " ?

[Weaselbunny]

If you mean where does the term come from...

It means a rough, practical caluculation which is made without the benefit of any theoretical knowledge or scientific measuring equipment.

e.g. He may use 'rule of thumb' methods but his results are excellent.

Hope that's what you were after.

[Forealfc]

Thanks for the reply.

I have heard something different. This is why I asked.

Ladies, please dont get offended, I totally disagree with this definition that Im about to read...

it states : The Rule of Thumb is where you can hit your wife with a stick that is no wider than your thumb.


Im in the San Antonio Police Academy and my sgrt is the one that told me this info. I just wanted to see if this was correct info.

I do know now that it is not legal, but he did state it was a law back in the day.

[Fraser]

That actually might be a myth Forealfc. I've seen some people swear that's where the term came from, while others have debunked it.

http://www.canlaw.com/rights/thumbrul.htm
http://www.debunker.com/texts/ruleofthumb.html

[Forealfc]

Thanks for the reply. Excellent info on those two web sites. I really do appreciate your help!!

[fisherofmen]

Actually, the "Rule of Thumb" is not at all scientific. It has it's roots in the ancient Roman practice of Colliseum gaming. You know, the Gladiator olympics, the Man vs. Beast (to the death) display of heroism (which by the way were mostly prisoners sent to battle for the viewing pleasure of the ruling officials), and the like.

You know the rest...should one or the other prevail in battle, yet only deeply wound or disbable the other, the victor would look to Caesar for a thumbs up or a thumbs down decision, seeking his "RULE OF THUMB." Up was mercy, down was to execute the loser on the spot. (which is where the term "LOSER" has its etimological roots as well!)

Mostly, Caesars' decision was meant to rally the crowd, but sometimes there was a bit of a personal vendetta attached to the contest, such as a peasant who may have threatened to tell the Emperor about Caesars' harsh method of rule for example, which would necessarily result in a humiliating demise as an example to others.

Rule of Thumb...
Hope this helps!