An archaic term referring to the distance of a fist-length, or possibly a blow or combat; an Old English measurement or combat distance.
From Old English fist meaning 'fist' and mele meaning 'combat or fight.' This compound demonstrates how Old English combined concrete and abstract meanings to describe combat distances.
Warriors in medieval texts would talk about being at 'fistmele'—meaning close enough to punch each other—which is the original version of going 'hand-to-hand' in combat!
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