gauge

gauge [gāj]

n.

[ME < NormFr: see the GAUGE vt.]

1. a standard measure or scale of measurement

2. dimensions, capacity, thickness, etc.

3. any device for measuring something, as the thickness of wire, the dimensions of a machined part, the amount of liquid in a container, steam pressure, etc.

4. any means of estimating or judging

5. the distance between the rails of a rail track: cf. STANDARD GAUGE, BROAD GAUGE, NARROW GAUGE

6. the distance between parallel wheels at opposite ends of an axle

7. the size of a bore, esp. of a shotgun, expressed in terms of the number per pound of round lead balls of a diameter equal to that of the bore

8. the thickness of sheet metal, diameter of wire, etc.

9.

a) a measure of the fineness of a knitted or crocheted fabric

b) the fineness of a machine-knitted fabric expressed in terms of the number of loops per 1¹/ ₂ inches

10. Naut. the position of a ship in relation to another ship and the wind [a sailboat that has the weather gauge of another boat is to windward of it]

11. Plastering the amount of plaster of Paris used with common plaster to hasten its setting: Usually GAGE¹ in technical senses

vt.

gauged, gauging [ME gaugen < NormFr gaugier, prob. < VL * gallicare < ?]

1. to measure accurately by means of a gauge

2. to measure the size, amount, extent, or capacity of

3. to estimate; judge; appraise

4. to bring to correct gauge; make conform with a standard

5. Masonry to cut or rub (bricks or stone) to a desired shape

6. Plastering to mix (plaster) in the proportions required for a specified setting time

SYN.- STANDARD

gaugeable

adj.