SPAN.See Weights and Measures.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible
Edited by James Hastings, D.D. Published in 1909
(זרת, zereth; σπιθαμή, spithamḗ): A measure of length equal to half a cubit or about 9 in. (Exo_28:16; Exo_39:9; 1Sa_17:4, etc.). Lam_2:20 the King James Version is a mistranslation; see the Revised Version (British and American). See WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PRINTER 1915.
(זֶרֶת, zereth, according to the rabbins the little finger, Exo_28:16; Exo_39:9; 1Sa_17:4; Isa_40:12; Eze_43:13; elsewhere some form of טָפִח, taphach, to spread upon the hands; hence to extend a palm's breadth, Isa_48:13; or carry in the arms, Lam_2:20, a span long), a Hebrew measure of three hand breadths, or twelve finger breadths; apparently half a cubit (comp. Exo_25:10 with Josephus, Ant. 3, 6, 5). SEE METROLOGY.
CYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLICAL, THEOLOGICAL AND ECCLESIASTICAL
press 1895.