from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
measure \meas"ure\ (m[e^]zh"[-u]r; 135), n. [OE. mesure, F.
mesure, L. mensura, fr. metiri, mensus, to measure; akin to
metrum poetical measure, Gr. me`tron, 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.
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2. An instrument by means of which size or quantity is
measured, as a graduated line, rod, vessel, or the like.
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False ells and measures be brought all clean adown.
--R. of
Gloucester.
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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.
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The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and
broader than the sea. --Job xi. 9.
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4. The contents of a vessel by which quantity is measured; a
quantity determined by a standard; a stated or limited
quantity or amount.
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It is like leaven which a woman took and hid in
three measures of meal. --Luke xiii.
21.
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5. Extent or degree not excessive or beyong bounds;
moderation; due restraint; esp. in the phrases, in
measure; with measure; without or beyond measure.
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Hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth
without measure. --Is. v. 14.
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6. Determined extent, not to be exceeded; limit; allotted
share, as of action, influence, ability, or the like; due
proportion.
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Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of
my days. --Ps. xxxix.
4.
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7. The quantity determined by measuring, especially in buying
and selling; as, to give good or full measure.
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8. Undefined quantity; extent; degree.
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There is a great measure of discretion to be used in
the performance of confession. --Jer. Taylor.
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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.
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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; a denominator. See {common
denominator} under {denominator}.
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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.
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His majesty found what wrong measures he had taken
in the conferring that trust, and lamented his
error. --Clarendon.
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12. The act of measuring; measurement. --Shak.
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13. pl. (Geol.) Beds or strata; as, coal measures; lead
measures.
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{linear measure}, {lineal measure}, 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) .
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Say to her, we have measured many miles
To tread a measure with her on this grass.
--Shak.
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