Paces

/ˈpeɪsɪz/ noun, verb

Definition

Steps or strides in walking; the speed at which someone moves; or to walk back and forth, especially when anxious or thinking.

Etymology

From Latin 'passus' (step, stride), related to 'pandere' (to stretch). Roman soldiers measured distance by 'paces'—one double-step—which is why a mile is 5,280 feet (1,000 paces).

Kelly Says

A Roman 'mille passus' (thousand paces) literally became the word 'mile'—so when you run a mile, you're completing the exact exercise Roman legions did to measure their marches, and the unit name has survived nearly 2,000 years unchanged.

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