To tread a measure

To tread a 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. [1913 Webster]

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.

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  • tread a measure — To go through a dance • • • Main Entry: ↑measure …   Useful english dictionary

  • 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… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Tread — Tread, v. t. 1. To step or walk on. [1913 Webster] Forbid to tread the promised land he saw. Prior. [1913 Webster] Methought she trod the ground with greater grace. Dryden. [1913 Webster] 2. To beat or press with the feet; as, to tread a path; to …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • 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

  • tread — [c]/trɛd / (say tred) verb (trod or, Archaic, trode, trodden or trod, treading) –verb (t) 1. to step or walk on, about, in, or along. 2. to trample or cr …  

  • tread — treader, n. /tred/, v., trod, trodden or trod, treading, n. v.i. 1. to set down the foot or feet in walking; step; walk. 2. to step, walk, or trample so as to press, crush, or injure something (usually fol. by on or upon): to tread on a person s… …   Universalium

  • tread — I. verb (trod; also treaded; trodden or trod; treading) Etymology: Middle English treden, from Old English tredan; akin to Old High German tretan to tread Date: before 12th century transitive verb 1. a. to step o …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • tread — [[t]trɛd[/t]] v. trod, trod•den trod, tread•ing, 1) to set down the foot or feet in walking; step; walk 2) to step or walk, esp. so as to press, crush, or injure something; trample (usu. fol. by on or upon) 3) orn (of a male bird) to copulate 4)… …   From formal English to slang

  • measure — /ˈmɛʒə / (say mezhuh) noun 1. the act or process of ascertaining the extent, dimensions, quantity, etc., of something, especially by comparison with a standard. 2. size, dimensions, quantity, etc., as thus ascertained. 3. an instrument, as a… …  

  • lineal 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… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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