What is "fistmele"

n. (context archery English) A traditional unit of distance equal to the width of a clenched fist with the thumb extended (approx. 6½ inches or 16½ centimetres).

n. about seven inches; the breadth of a fist with the thumb stuck out (used especially in archery to give the correct distance of the string from the bow)

Fistmele, also known as the "brace height", is an older term used in archery to describe the correct distance (about seven inches, for a Northern European or English longbow) between a bow and its string. The term itself is a Saxon word indicating the measure of a clenched hand with the thumb extended.

Different brace heights may be obtained from the same length of string by twisting it around before affixing it to the bow. A proper height helps to reduce noise upon the release of an arrow and vibrations in the bow itself. Consequently, if the distance is too small excess noise and poor arrow flight are the results. A bow is said to be "overstrung" when this distance is exceeded.