measure

measure [mezh′ər]

n.

[ME mesure < OFr < L mensura < mensus, pp. of metiri, to measure < IE base * mē-, to measure > MEAL¹, Sans mātrā, a measure, Gr metron]

1. the extent, dimensions, capacity, etc. of anything, esp. as determined by a standard

2. the act or process of determining extent, dimensions, etc.; measurement

3.

a) a standard for determining extent, dimensions, etc.; unit of measurement, as an inch, yard, or bushel

b) any standard of valuation, comparison, judgment, etc.; criterion

4. a system of measurement [dry measure, board measure]

5. an instrument for measuring, or a container of standard capacity [a quart measure]

6. a definite quantity measured out or thought of as measured

7. an extent or degree not to be exceeded [remain within measure]

8. proportion, quantity, or degree [in large measure]

9. a procedure; course of action; step [take measures to stop him]

10. a legislative bill, resolution, etc. that is proposed or has been enacted

11.

a) rhythm in verse; meter

b) a metrical unit; foot of verse

12. Archaic a dance or dance movement, esp. if slow and stately

13. Old Poet. a melody or tune

14. [pl.] Geol. Rare related beds or strata, as of coal

15. Music the notes or rests, or both, contained between two vertical lines on the staff; bar

16. Printing the width of a column or page

vt.

measured, measuring [ME mesuren < OFr mesurer < LL mensurare, to measure < the Latin n.]

1. to find out or estimate the extent, dimensions, etc. of, esp. by the use of a standard

2. to get, take, set apart, or mark off by measuring: often with off or out

3. to estimate by comparison; judge; appraise [to measure one's foe]

4. to bring into comparison or rivalry: with against [to measure one's skill against another's]

5. to be a measure of [a clock measures time]

6. to adjust or proportion by a standard [to measure a speech by the listeners' reactions]

7. to choose or weigh carefully (one's words or actions)

8. Now Rare to go over or through; traverse as if measuring

vi.

1. to find out or estimate extent, dimensions, etc.; get or take measurements

2. to be of a specified dimension, quantity, etc. when measured [a pole that measures ten feet]

3. to allow of measurement

——————

beyond measure or above measure

so much as not to be measurable; exceedingly; extremely

——————

for good measure

as a bonus or something extra

——————

in a measure

to some extent; somewhat

——————

made to measure

made to fit someone's own measurements; custom-made: said of clothes

——————

measure one's length

to fall, lie, or be thrown down at full length

——————

measure out

to give out or allot by measuring

——————

measure swords

1. to duel with swords

2. to fight or contend

——————

☆ measure up

to prove to be competent or qualified

——————

☆ measure up to

to come up to; meet (expectations, a standard, etc.)

——————

take measures

to take action; do things to accomplish a purpose

——————

take someone's measure

to make an estimate or judgment of someone's ability, character, etc.

——————

tread a measure

to dance

measurer

n.