- To take one's measure
- 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. [1913 Webster]
False ells and measures be brought all clean adown. --R. of Gloucester. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. --Job xi. 9. [1913 Webster]
4. The contents of a vessel by which quantity is measured; a quantity determined by a standard; a stated or limited quantity or amount. [1913 Webster]
It is like leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal. --Luke xiii. 21. [1913 Webster]
5. Extent or degree not excessive or beyong bounds; moderation; due restraint; esp. in the phrases, in measure; with measure; without or beyond measure. [1913 Webster]
Hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure. --Is. v. 14. [1913 Webster]
6. Determined extent, not to be exceeded; limit; allotted share, as of action, influence, ability, or the like; due proportion. [1913 Webster]
Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days. --Ps. xxxix. 4. [1913 Webster]
7. The quantity determined by measuring, especially in buying and selling; as, to give good or full measure. [1913 Webster]
8. Undefined quantity; extent; degree. [1913 Webster]
There is a great measure of discretion to be used in the performance of confession. --Jer. Taylor. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
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}. [1913 Webster +PJC]
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. [1913 Webster]
His majesty found what wrong measures he had taken in the conferring that trust, and lamented his error. --Clarendon. [1913 Webster]
12. The act of measuring; measurement. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
13. pl. (Geol.) Beds or strata; as, coal measures; lead measures. [1913 Webster]
{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) . [1913 Webster]
Say to her, we have measured many miles To tread a measure with her on this grass. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
