barleycorn (barʻlikorn)

1. A grain of barley.-2. A measure equal to the third part of an inch; originally, the length of a grain of barley. A statute of Edward II. (A. D. 1324) makes "three barley-corns round and dry" the definition of an inch. 3. A measure equal to the breadth of a fine grain of barley, about 0.155 inch. - John or Sir John Barleycorn, a humorous personification of the spirit of barley, or malt liquor: a usage of considerable antiquity. John Barleycorn was a hero bold Of noble enterprise, For, if you do but taste his blood, Twill make your courage rise. Burns , John Barleycorn. barley-fever (bär'li-fē"ver), n. [ barley1 (as a source of strong drink) + fever .] Illne caused by intemperance. [North. Eng.] barley-fork (bärʼli-fôrk), n. A hand-fork with a guard at the root of the tines, used for gathering up stalks of barley.