LEAGUE

any of several units of measure ranging from 2.4 to 4.6 statute miles (3.9 to 7.4 km). In English-speaking countries the land league is generally accepted as 3 statute miles (4.8 km). An ancient unit derived from the Gauls and introduced into England by the Normans, the league was estimated by the Romans to be equal to 1,500 pacesa pace, or passus, in Roman measure being nearly 5 feet (1.5 m). Land leagues of about 2.63 miles (4.23 km) were used by the Spanish in early surveys of parts of the American Southwest. At one time the term was also used as a unit of area measurement. Old California surveys show square leagues equal to 4,439 acres (1,796 hectares). In the late 18th century the league also came to be the distance a cannon shot could be fired at menacing ships offshore. This resulted in the 3-mile offshore territorial limit.