To measure swords with one

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. [1913 Webster]

Great are thy works, Jehovah, infinite Thy power! what thought can measure thee? --Milton. [1913 Webster]

2. To serve as the measure of; as, the thermometer measures changes of temperature. [1913 Webster]

3. To pass throught or over in journeying, as if laying off and determining the distance. [1913 Webster]

A true devoted pilgrim is not weary To measure kingdoms with his feeble steps. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

4. To adjust by a rule or standard. [1913 Webster]

To secure a contented spirit, measure your desires by your fortunes, not your fortunes by your desires. --Jer. Taylor. [1913 Webster]

5. To allot or distribute by measure; to set off or apart by measure; -- often with out or off. [1913 Webster]

With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. --Matt. vii. 2. [1913 Webster]

That portion of eternity which is called time, measured out by the sun. --Addison. [1913 Webster]

{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. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • To measure swords with one — 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[ a]rd, Dan. sv[ae]rd; of uncertain origin.] 1. An offensive weapon, having a long and usually… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • 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 …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • measure — measurer, n. /mezh euhr/, n., v., measured, measuring. n. 1. a unit or standard of measurement: weights and measures. 2. a system of measurement: liquid measure. 3. an instrument, as a graduated rod or a container of standard capacity, for… …   Universalium

  • 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… …   English World dictionary

  • Books of the Swords — The Books of the Swords is collectively a sci fi/fantasy novel series written by Fred Saberhagen. Its central theme revolves around twelve mystical Swords forged by the gods, each endowed with a particular power or gift, and how various people… …   Wikipedia

  • Measured — 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… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Measuring — 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… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Pasiphaea sivado — 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[ a]rd, Dan. sv[ae]rd; of uncertain origin.] 1. An offensive weapon, having a long and usually… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • 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[ a]rd, Dan. sv[ae]rd; of uncertain origin.] 1. An offensive weapon, having a long and usually sharp pointed… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Sword arm — 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[ a]rd, Dan. sv[ae]rd; of uncertain origin.] 1. An offensive weapon, having a long and usually… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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