Measure

Measure, mezh′ūr, n. that by which extent is ascertained or expressed: the size of anything: a rule or standard by which anything is adjusted (Apothecaries', Cubic, Decimal, Dry, Liquid, &c.): (politics) a proposal or plan by which some end can be brought about: proportion: a stated quantity: degree: extent: moderation: means to an end: metre: (mus.) that division of time, containing a specified number of beats, by which the air and motion of music are regulated: rate of movement, time, rhythm, metre, arrangement of syllables in poetry: a slow and stately dance, as the minuet: (print.) the width of a page or column, usually in ems: (pl., geol.) a series of beds or strata.—v.t. to ascertain the dimensions of: to adjust by a rule or standard: to mark out: to allot: to show a certain measurement.—v.i. to be of a certain size: to be equal or uniform.—adj. Meas′urable, that may be measured or computed: moderate: in small quantity or extent.—n. Meas′urableness, the quality of being measurable.—adv. Meas′urably.—adjs. Meas′ured, of a certain measure: equal: uniform: steady: restricted; Meas′ureless, boundless: immense.—ns. Meas′urement, the act of measuring: quantity found by measuring—(Measurement goods, light goods carried for charges according to bulk, not weight); Meas′urer, one who, or that which, measures.—adj. Meas′uring, that measures, or fitted for measuring.—Measure one's length, to fall or be thrown down at full length; Measure strength, to engage in a contest; Measure swords, to fight with swords: to try one's skill against.—Above, or Beyond, measure, to an exceedingly great degree; In a measure, to some degree.—Take measures, to adopt means (to gain an end); Take one's measure, to find out what one is, and what he can or cannot do; Tread a measure, to dance; Use hard measures, to apply harsh treatment to; Within measure, moderately; Without measure, immoderately. [O. Fr. mesure—L. mensura, a measure—metīri, to measure.]