a unit of length used in Spain, Portugal, and South America and having different values in different localities, usually between 32 and 43 inches (about 80 to 108 centimetres)
Word origin
C17: via Spanish from Latin: wooden trestle, from vārus crooked
vara in American English
(ˈvɑrɑ)
US
noun
1.
in Spain and Spanish America, an old unit of linear measure, varying from about 31 to 33 inches
2.
an old Texas unit of linear measure equal to 33.33 inches (84.67 centimeters)
3.
a unit of area, the square vara
Word origin
Sp & Port, lit., rod, stick < L, forked pole < varus, bent: see vacillate