Also (rarely) stone-throw. [THROW sb.2 6.] The distance that a stone can be thrown by the hand; vaguely used for a short or moderate distance.
α. 1581. A. Hall, Iliad, III. 45. For who can see a stones throw of ought thing in land or plaine?
1712. [see THROW sb.2 6].
1832. R. & J. Lander, Exped. Niger, II. viii. 3. The Niger here is not more than a stone’s-throw across at present.
1889. Jessopp, Coming of Friars, v. 218. Three mighty churches, all within a stone’s throw of one another.
β. 1875. W. M‘Ilwraith, Guide to Wigtownshire, 19. The ruins of the little chapel are within a stone-throw of the road.
1895. W. M. Macpherson, Ch. & Priory Monymusk, i. 41. The little Romanesque Church and tower … were built … within a stone-throw of their altar.
