I should clarify that the term "yard" in the three yards on each of the three masts of the square rigger refers not to length, but rather to the cross-spar holding up the top of the sail. Also known as a yardarm. So translating this kind of yard to meters is wholly inappropriate. ;*) - John Tauxe > > My wife heard a comment on the origin of the saying "the whole > > nine yards." > > > > Apparently it is the amount of fabric needed to make a complete > > formal Scottish kilt, sporran, and plaid and not a reference to > > American/Canadian football as I had always suspected. > > > > Thus the "proper" SI translation would be "the whole eight metres". > > > > Can anyone back up the origin of this saying? > > > > greg > >
