Rettarfot

Rettarfot is a term of Norse origin, literally translating to "law foot" or "right foot." Historically, it referred to a specific measurement or unit of length. While the exact standardization varied across different regions and time periods, the rettarfot was generally understood to be a practical unit of measurement derived from the length of a person's foot, often a judge or a man of authority, thus implying a formal or legitimate standard.

This unit of measurement was not as precisely defined as modern metric or imperial systems. Its application was often found in everyday transactions, land divisions, and construction within communities. The concept of a "law foot" suggests an attempt to establish a common, agreed-upon measurement within a legal or social framework, rather than relying on purely arbitrary or individual measures.

The precise dimensions of a rettarfot could differ. Some sources suggest it was roughly equivalent to the modern foot, around 30.48 centimeters, while others indicate it might have been slightly longer or shorter depending on local custom and the individual whose foot was used as the reference. The term highlights the historical reliance on anthropometric measurements, where body parts served as convenient and readily available units before the widespread adoption of standardized measurement systems. Its usage has largely faded with the advent of more precise and universally accepted units of measurement.