where does the term 'bakers dozen' originate?

Answer 1

The oldest known source and most probable origin for the expression "baker's dozen" dates to the 13th century in one of the earliest English statutes, instituted during the reign of Henry III (r. 1216-1272), called the Assize of Bread and Ale. Bakers who were found to have shortchanged customers could be liable to severe punishment. To guard against the punishment of losing a hand to an axe, a baker would give 13 for the price of 12, to be certain of not being known as a cheat. Specifically, the practice of baking 13 items for an intended dozen was to prevent "short measure", on the basis that one of the 13 could be lost, eaten, burnt or ruined in some way, leaving the baker with the original dozen. The practice can be seen in the guild codes of the Worshipful Company of Bakers in London.

Answer 2

it was Henry 8 who began weights and measures in England, and a crime punishable by death if caught under cutting weights and measures. bread was sold by the pound, rolls were different, although 12 weighed a pound bakers were not chancing some being under weight. the yard was also by Henry 8 a measure from his chin to his finger tip. hence extra 3 inches sold with a yard of cloth. there are other thing as well.

Answer 3

It began in England during the 1800's that made it a crime to short change a customer with 11 pieces. Baker would throw in an extra piece just to be on the safe side. Hence it means 13 pieces