To measure swords with one

Measure \Meas"ure\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Measured}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Measuring}.] [F. mesurer, L. mensurare. See {Measure},
   n.]
   1. To ascertain by use of a measuring instrument; to compute
      or ascertain the extent, quantity, dimensions, or capacity
      of, by a certain rule or standard; to take the dimensions
      of; hence, to estimate; to judge of; to value; to
      appraise.
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            Great are thy works, Jehovah, infinite
            Thy power! what thought can measure thee? --Milton.
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   2. To serve as the measure of; as, the thermometer measures
      changes of temperature.
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   3. To pass throught or over in journeying, as if laying off
      and determining the distance.
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            A true devoted pilgrim is not weary
            To measure kingdoms with his feeble steps. --Shak.
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   4. To adjust by a rule or standard.
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            To secure a contented spirit, measure your desires
            by your fortunes, not your fortunes by your desires.
                                                  --Jer. Taylor.
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   5. To allot or distribute by measure; to set off or apart by
      measure; -- often with out or off.
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            With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to
            you again.                            --Matt. vii.
                                                  2.
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            That portion of eternity which is called time,
            measured out by the sun.              --Addison.
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   {To measure swords with one}, to try another's skill in the
      use of the sword; hence, figuratively, to match one's
      abilities against an antagonist's.
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Sword \Sword\ (s[=o]rd), n. [OE. swerd, AS. sweord; akin to
   OFries. swerd, swird, D. zwaard, OS. swerd, OHG. swert, G.
   schwert, Icel. sver[eth], Sw. sv[aum]rd, Dan. svaerd; of
   uncertain origin.]
   1. An offensive weapon, having a long and usually
      sharp-pointed blade with a cutting edge or edges. It is
      the general term, including the small sword, rapier,
      saber, scimiter, and many other varieties.
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   2. Hence, the emblem of judicial vengeance or punishment, or
      of authority and power.
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            He [the ruler] beareth not the sword in vain. --Rom.
                                                  xiii. 4.
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            She quits the balance, and resigns the sword.
                                                  --Dryden.
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   3. Destruction by the sword, or in battle; war; dissension.
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            I came not to send peace, but a sword. --Matt. x.
                                                  34.
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   4. The military power of a country.
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            He hath no more authority over the sword than over
            the law.                              --Milton.
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   5. (Weaving) One of the end bars by which the lay of a hand
      loom is suspended.
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   {Sword arm}, the right arm.

   {Sword bayonet}, a bayonet shaped somewhat like a sword, and
      which can be used as a sword.

   {Sword bearer}, one who carries his master's sword; an
      officer in London who carries a sword before the lord
      mayor when he goes abroad.

   {Sword belt}, a belt by which a sword is suspended, and borne
      at the side.

   {Sword blade}, the blade, or cutting part, of a sword.

   {Sword cane}, a cane which conceals the blade of a sword or
      dagger, as in a sheath.

   {Sword dance}.
      (a) A dance in which swords are brandished and clashed
          together by the male dancers. --Sir W. Scott.
      (b) A dance performed over swords laid on the ground, but
          without touching them.

   {Sword fight}, fencing; a combat or trial of skill with
      swords; swordplay.

   {Sword grass}. (Bot.) See {Gladen}.

   {Sword knot}, a ribbon tied to the hilt of a sword.

   {Sword law}, government by the sword, or by force; violence.
      --Milton.

   {Sword lily}. (Bot.) See {Gladiolus}.

   {Sword mat} (Naut.), a mat closely woven of yarns; -- so
      called from a wooden implement used in its manufacture.

   {Sword shrimp} (Zool.), a European shrimp ({Pasiphaea
      sivado}) having a very thin, compressed body.

   {Sword stick}, a sword cane.

   {To measure swords with one}. See under {Measure}, v. t.

   {To put to the sword}. See under {Put}.
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