The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
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.
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Great are thy works, Jehovah, infinite
Thy power! what thought can measure thee? --Milton.
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2. To serve as the measure of; as, the thermometer measures
changes of temperature.
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3. To pass throught or over in journeying, as if laying off
and determining the distance.
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A true devoted pilgrim is not weary
To measure kingdoms with his feeble steps. --Shak.
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4. To adjust by a rule or standard.
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To secure a contented spirit, measure your desires
by your fortunes, not your fortunes by your desires.
--Jer. Taylor.
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5. To allot or distribute by measure; to set off or apart by
measure; -- often with out or off.
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With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to
you again. --Matt. vii.
2.
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That portion of eternity which is called time,
measured out by the sun. --Addison.
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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.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
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[aum]rd, Dan. svaerd; of
uncertain origin.]
1. An offensive weapon, having a long and usually
sharp-pointed blade with a cutting edge or edges. It is
the general term, including the small sword, rapier,
saber, scimiter, and many other varieties.
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2. Hence, the emblem of judicial vengeance or punishment, or
of authority and power.
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He [the ruler] beareth not the sword in vain. --Rom.
xiii. 4.
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She quits the balance, and resigns the sword.
--Dryden.
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3. Destruction by the sword, or in battle; war; dissension.
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I came not to send peace, but a sword. --Matt. x.
34.
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4. The military power of a country.
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He hath no more authority over the sword than over
the law. --Milton.
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5. (Weaving) One of the end bars by which the lay of a hand
loom is suspended.
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Sword arm, the right arm.
Sword bayonet, a bayonet shaped somewhat like a sword, and
which can be used as a sword.
Sword bearer, one who carries his master's sword; an
officer in London who carries a sword before the lord
mayor when he goes abroad.
Sword belt, a belt by which a sword is suspended, and borne
at the side.
Sword blade, the blade, or cutting part, of a sword.
Sword cane, a cane which conceals the blade of a sword or
dagger, as in a sheath.
Sword dance.
(a) A dance in which swords are brandished and clashed
together by the male dancers. --Sir W. Scott.
(b) A dance performed over swords laid on the ground, but
without touching them.
Sword fight, fencing; a combat or trial of skill with
swords; swordplay.
Sword grass. (Bot.) See Gladen.
Sword knot, a ribbon tied to the hilt of a sword.
Sword law, government by the sword, or by force; violence.
--Milton.
Sword lily. (Bot.) See Gladiolus.
Sword mat (Naut.), a mat closely woven of yarns; -- so
called from a wooden implement used in its manufacture.
Sword shrimp (Zool.), a European shrimp (Pasiphaea
sivado) having a very thin, compressed body.
Sword stick, a sword cane.
To measure swords with one. See under Measure, v. t.
To put to the sword. See under Put.
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