Noun

1. An old English measure of corn (e.g., wheat), equal to half a quarter or 4 bushels. Also comb.

   • 1866: It was equal to half a quarter, i.e. is identical with the coomb of the eastern counties. — James Edwin Thorold Rogers, A History of Agriculture and Prices in England, Volume 1, p. 168.
   • 1790: Two kilderkins, or strikes, make a measure called a barrel, liquid, and a coomb, dry; this last term being ancient and little used. — Thomas Jefferson, U.S. Secretary of State, "Plan for establishing uniformity in the Coinage, Weights, and Measures of the United States," report communicated to the House of Representatives, July 13, 1790.

2. • 1896: From the centre of each side of this tree-bound square ran avenues east, west, and south into the wide expanse of corn-land and coomb to the distance of a mile or so. (Tomas Hardy, The Mayor of Casterbridge, Chapter 4)