DIGIT
, in Arithmetic, one of the ten characters 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, by means of which all numbers are expressed.
Digit, in Astronomy, is the measure by which the part of the luminaries in eclipses is estimated, being the 12th part of the diameter of the luminary. Thus, an eclipse is said to be of 10 digits, when 10 parts out of 12 of the diameter are in the eclipsed part; when the whole of the luminary is just all covered, the digits eclipsed are just 12; and when the luminary is more than covered, as often happens in lunar eclipses, then more than 12 digits are said to be eclipsed: Thus, if the diameter or breadth of the earth's shadow, where | the moon passes through, be equal to one diameter and a half of the moon, then 18° or digits are said to be eclipsed.
These digits are by Wolsius, and some others, called digiti ecliptici.
Digit is also a measure taken from the breadth of the finger; being estimated at 3-4ths of an inch, and equal to 4 grains of barley, laid breadth-ways, so as to touch each other.
