ell

/ɛl/
noun
  1. A unit of length used in the past, equal to about 45 inches (114 cm) in English-speaking countries, used especially for measuring cloth.
    • In medieval times, cloth was often sold by the ell.
    • The old book mentioned a piece of fabric three ells long.
    • The tailor measured out an ell of linen for the shirt.
  2. An extension or wing of a building, usually at right angles to the main structure.
    • The old farmhouse had a small ell that served as a workshop.
    • The kitchen was in the ell at the back of the house.
    • They added an ell to the barn for extra storage.
  3. The letter L, or something shaped like an L.
    • The pipe was bent into an ell to fit around the corner.
    • The carpenter cut the wood into an ell shape.
    • He drew an ell on the map to mark the turn.
What does "ell" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean