A Hobbit of Oats

[Bêthberry]

Originally Posted by Lalwendë

The hobbit (also hobbett, hobbet, or hobed, from Welsh: hobaid) is a unit of volume or weight formerly used in Wales for trade in grain and other staples. It was equal to four pecks or two and a half bushels, but was also often used as a unit of weight, which varied depending on the material being measured. The hobbit remained in customary use in markets in northern Wales after Parliament standardized the Winchester bushel as the unit of measure for grain, after which courts gave inconsistent rulings as to its legal status.

Given Tolkien's devotion to the Welsh language, this is very intriguing, Lal. Even if the association weren't consciously made, it could well have been a word Tolkien knew from his studies of Welsh. Another effort to maintain a word which was becoming archaic.