also: まがりがね
noun
A traditional L-shaped measuring tool used in Japanese carpentry; also called 曲尺 (かねじゃく).
See also: 曲尺
大工は曲がり尺を使って柱の長さを測った。
The carpenter measured the length of the pillar using a carpenter's square.
noun
common Japanese foot (unit of length)
Historical unit of length, approximately 30.3 cm; rarely used in modern contexts except in traditional carpentry or historical references.
この建物は曲がり尺を基準に設計されている。
This building was designed based on the common Japanese foot.
Variant of 曲がり金 with 曲り; same reading.
Compound of 曲がり (bend, curve) + 尺 (measure, foot). The tool is named for its L-shaped bend; the unit name derives from its use with the square.