Where does the term "rule of thumb" come from?

Question

does it really come from the early 1900's like they say in Boondock Saints

Answer 1

The Oxford English Dictionary indicates that the phrase has been used for about 300 years to refer to measurements that are based on experience instead of exact science.

The "wife-beating" definition was made up by a feminist sometime in the 1970s.

Answer 2

To be rolling the thumbs mean not to be doing anything at all, I have learned in Sweden. This expression is very old is the only thing I can tell

Answer 3

from ireland! back in the day it was okay to hit a woman with a stick not bigger than your thumb. (rule of thumb)

check it out they explain it in the movie bundock saints.