Quite coincidentally, we were looking at the derivation of 'whipsaderry'
recently and came across the suggestion that it might be from 'whips' -
nautical term for ropes going through a pulley - and 'derrick' i.e.crane.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Trevor Dunkerley" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2008 10:09 AM
Subject: Re: mining-nautical terminology
> In mining terms a fathom is a unit of volume equal to 6 cubic feet used in
> measuring bodies of ore.
>
> The German for fathom is 'faden' - a linear measurement which can now also
> mean rope, twine, string.
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "John Shoebridge" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2008 1:14 AM
> Subject: Re: mining-nautical terminology
>
>
>> Might not the usage of fathoms for measuring shaft depths come initially
>> from the rope manufacturers who normally supplied rope for maritime
>> purposes.??
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "sougher" <[log in to unmask]>
>> To: <[log in to unmask]>
>> Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2008 5:51 AM
>> Subject: mining-nautical terminology
>>
>>
>> Hi List,
>>
>> Coming from one of the country's most land locked counties i.e.
>> Derbyshire, it's interesting to note that lead miners there also measured
>> the depths of their mines and shafts in fathoms. I know that it must
>> have come about because of the constant migration of miners between
>> Derbyshire and Cornwall, and visa versa (also other mining areas of the
>> UK as many mining words are common throughout), but I've often wondered
>> when this measurement was first used in Derbyshire. Jim Rieuwerts in
>> his "Glossary of Derbyshire Lead Mining Terms" says that "shaft depths
>> were usually quoted in fathoms from the surface, not as in Cornwall, from
>> the horizon of the adit". Nellie Kirkham in her "Derbyshire Lead Mining
>> Glossary" CRG 1949, gives an alterative word of Faddom for a Fathom.
>> Has anyone the answer?
>>
>> Margaret Howard
>>
>>
>
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