measure

meas·ure   (mězh'ər)    (click for larger image in new window) n.   Dimensions, quantity, or capacity as ascertained by comparison with a standard. A reference standard or sample used for the quantitative comparison of properties: The standard kilogram is maintained as a measure of mass. A unit specified by a scale, such as an inch, or by variable conditions, such as a day's march. A system of measurement, such as the metric system. A device used for measuring. The act of measuring. An evaluation or a basis of comparison: "the final measure of the worth of a society" (Joseph Wood Krutch). See Synonyms at standard. Extent or degree: The problem was in large measure caused by his carelessness. A definite quantity that has been measured out: a measure of wine. A fitting amount: a measure of recognition. A limited amount or degree: a measure of good-will. Limit; bounds: generosity knowing no measure. Appropriate restraint; moderation: "The union of . . . fervor with measure, passion with correctness, this surely is the ideal" (William James). An action taken as a means to an end; an expedient. Often used in the plural: desperate measures. A legislative bill or enactment. Poetic meter. Music The metric unit between two bars on the staff; a bar. v.   meas·ured, meas·ur·ing, meas·ures v.   tr. To ascertain the dimensions, quantity, or capacity of: measured the height of the ceiling. To mark, lay out, or establish dimensions for by measuring: measure off an area. To estimate by evaluation or comparison: "I gave them an account . . . of the situation as far as I could measure it" (Winston S. Churchill). To bring into comparison: She measured her power with that of a dangerous adversary. To mark off or apportion, usually with reference to a given unit of measurement: measure out a pint of milk. To allot or distribute as if by measuring; mete: The revolutionary tribunal measured out harsh justice. To serve as a measure of: The inch measures length. To consider or choose with care; weigh: He measures his words with caution. Archaic To travel over: "We must measure twenty miles today" (Shakespeare). v.   intr. To have a measurement of: The room measures 12 by 20 feet. To take a measurement. To allow of measurement: White sugar measures more easily than brown. Phrasal Verb(s): measure up To be the equal of something; have similar quality. To have the necessary qualifications: a candidate who just didn't measure up. Idiom(s): beyond measure In excess. Without limit. Idiom(s): for good measureIn addition to the required amount. Idiom(s): in a/some measureTo a degree: The new law was in a measure harmful. [Middle English, from Old French mesure, from Latin mēnsūra, from mēnsus, past participle of mētīrī, to measure; see mē-2 in Indo-European roots.] meas'ur·er n.

Measure

Meas"ure\, n. [OE. mesure, F. mesure, L. mensura, fr. metiri, mensus, to measure; akin to metrum poetical measure, Gr. ?, E. meter. Cf. Immense, Mensuration, Mete to measure.]

1. A standard of dimension; a fixed unit of quantity or extent; an extent or quantity in the fractions or multiples of which anything is estimated and stated; hence, a rule by which anything is adjusted or judged.

2. An instrument by means of which size or quantity is measured, as a graduated line, rod, vessel, or the like.

False ells and measures be brought all clean adown. --R. of Gloucester.

3. The dimensions or capacity of anything, reckoned according to some standard; size or extent, determined and stated; estimated extent; as, to take one's measure for a coat.

The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. --Job xi. 9.

4. The contents of a vessel by which quantity is measured; a quantity determined by a standard; a stated or limited quantity or amount.

It is like leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal. --Luke xiii. 21.

5. Extent or degree not excessive or beyong bounds; moderation; due restraint; esp. in the phrases, in measure; with measure; without or beyond measure.

Hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure. --Is. v. 14.

6. Determined extent, not to be exceeded; limit; allotted share, as of action, influence, ability, or the like; due proportion.

Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days. --Ps. xxxix. 4.

7. The quantity determined by measuring, especially in buying and selling; as, to give good or full measure.

8. Undefined quantity; extent; degree.

There is a great measure of discretion to be used in the performance of confession. --Jer. Taylor.

9. Regulated division of movement: (a) (Dancing) A regulated movement corresponding to the time in which the accompanying music is performed; but, especially, a slow and stately dance, like the minuet. (b) (Mus.) (1) The group or grouping of beats, caused by the regular recurrence of accented beats. (2) The space between two bars. See Beat, Triple, Quadruple, Sextuple, Compound time, under Compound, a., and Figure. (c) (Poetry) The manner of ordering and combining the quantities, or long and short syllables; meter; rhythm; hence, a foot; as, a poem in iambic measure.

10. (Arith.) A number which is contained in a given number a number of times without a remainder; as in the phrases, the common measure, the greatest common measure, etc., of two or more numbers.

11. A step or definite part of a progressive course or policy; a means to an end; an act designed for the accomplishment of an object; as, political measures; prudent measures; an inefficient measure.

His majesty found what wrong measures he had taken in the conferring that trust, and lamented his error. --Clarendon.

12. The act of measuring; measurement. --Shak.

13. pl. (Geol.) Beds or strata; as, coal measures; lead measures.

Lineal, or Long, measure, measure of length; the measure of lines or distances.

Liquid measure, the measure of liquids.

Square measure, the measure of superficial area of surfaces in square units, as inches, feet, miles, etc.

To have hard measure, to have harsh treatment meted out to one; to be harshly or oppressively dealt with.

To take measures, to make preparations; to provide means.

To take one's measure, to measure one, as for a garment; hence, to form an opinion of one's disposition, character, ability, etc.

To tread a measure, to dance in the style so called. See 9 (a) .

Say to her, we have measured many miles To tread a measure with her on this grass. --Shak.

measure  (v.)

Main Entry: ¹mea·sure
Pronunciation: 'mezh-&r, 'mAzh-
Function: noun
1 : an instrument or utensil for measuring
2 : a standard or unit of measurement; also : a system of such measures measure>

measure meas·ure (mězh'ər)
n.

1. Dimensions, quantity, or capacity as ascertained by comparison with a standard.
2. A reference standard or sample used for the quantitative comparison of properties.
3. A unit specified by a scale, such as a degree, or by variable conditions, such as room temperature.
4. A system of measurement, such as the metric system.
5. A device used for measuring.
6. The act of measuring.
7. An evaluation or a basis of comparison.
8. Extent or degree.
9. A definite quantity that has been measured out.

v. meas·ured, meas·ur·ing, meas·ures

1. To ascertain the dimensions, quantity, or capacity of.
2. To mark, lay out, or establish dimensions for by measuring.
3. To bring into comparison.
4. To mark off or apportion, usually with reference to a given unit of measurement.
5. To serve as a measure of.

measure testing
To ascertain or appraise by comparing to a standard; to apply a metric.
(1996-12-27)

Measure

Several words are so rendered in the Authorized Version. (1.) Those which are indefinite. (a) Hok, Isa. 5:14, elsewhere "statute." (b) Mad, Job 11:9; Jer. 13:25, elsewhere "garment." (c) Middah, the word most frequently thus translated, Ex. 26:2, 8, etc. (d) Mesurah, Lev. 19:35; 1 Chr. 23:29. (e) Mishpat, Jer. 30:11, elsewhere "judgment." (f) Mithkoneth and token, Ezek. 45:11. (g) In New Testament metron, the usual Greek word thus rendered (Matt. 7:2; 23:32; Mark 4:24). (2.) Those which are definite. (a) 'Eyphah, Deut. 25:14, 15, usually "ephah." (b) Ammah, Jer. 51:13, usually "cubit." (c) Kor, 1 Kings 4:22, elsewhere "cor;" Greek koros, Luke 16:7. (d) Seah, Gen. 18:6; 1 Sam. 25:18, a seah; Greek saton, Matt. 13:33; Luke 13:21. (e) Shalish, "a great measure," Isa. 40:12; literally a third, i.e., of an ephah. (f) In New Testament batos, Luke 16:6, the Hebrew "bath;" and choinix, Rev. 6:6, the choenix, equal in dry commodities to one-eighth of a modius.

measure

In addition to the idiom beginning with measure, also see beyond measure; for good measure; in some measure; made to measure; take someone's measure.