Definition of the word reckon without

The phrase "reckon without" is an old-fashioned expression that originated in Middle English. The word "reckon" here means to calculate or estimate, and "without" refers to the absence of something. In medieval times, merchants and tradespeople often had to make quick and rough estimations of the quantities or values of goods they were buying or selling without the benefit of precise measuring instruments or scales. They would "reckon without" these tools, relying instead on their experience, judgment, and mental arithmetic. The expression "reckon without" also had a religious connotation, as it was commonly used in the context of estimating the probability of salvation or damnation based on one's deeds or faith. In this sense, a person could "reckon without" the need for confession or other religious rituals, assuming that their faith and good works were enough to secure their place in heaven. Today, the expression is less commonly used, as modern methods of measurement and calculation have made it obsolete in many contexts. However, it remains a colorful and evocative phrase that reflects the ingenuity and resourcefulness of our ancestors in the face of limited resources and imperfect knowledge.