platform scale

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Scale \Scale\ (sk[=a]l), n. [AS. sc[=a]le; perhaps influenced by the kindred Icel. sk[=a]l balance, dish, akin also to D. schaal a scale, bowl, shell, G. schale, OHG. sc[=a]la, Dan. skaal drinking cup, bowl, dish, and perh. to E. scale of a fish. Cf. Scale of a fish, Skull the brain case.]

1.The dish of a balance; hence, the balance itself; an instrument or machine for weighing; as, to turn the scale; -- chiefly used in the plural when applied to the whole instrument or apparatus for weighing. Also used figuratively. [1913 Webster]

Long time in even scale The battle hung.— Milton.[1913 Webster]

The scales are turned; her kindness weighs no more Now than my vows.— Waller.[1913 Webster]

2.pl. (Astron.) The sign or constellation Libra. [1913 Webster]

Platform scale. See under Platform. [1913 Webster]

Platform \Plat"form`\, n. [Plat, a. + -form: cf. F. plateforme.]

1.A plat; a plan; a sketch; a model; a pattern. Used also figuratively. [Obs.] --Bacon. [1913 Webster]

2.A place laid out after a model. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

lf the platform just reflects the order.— Pope.[1913 Webster]

3.Any flat or horizontal surface; especially, one that is raised above some particular level, as a framework of timber or boards horizontally joined so as to form a roof, or a raised floor, or portion of a floor; a landing; a dais; a stage, for speakers, performers, or workmen; a standing place. [1913 Webster]

4.A declaration of the principles upon which a person, a sect, or a party proposes to stand; a declared policy or system; as, the Saybrook platform; a political platform. "The platform of Geneva." --Hooker. [1913 Webster]

5.(Naut.) A light deck, usually placed in a section of the hold or over the floor of the magazine. See Orlop. [1913 Webster]

Platform car, a railway car without permanent raised sides or covering; a f?at.

Platform scale, a weighing machine, with a flat platform on which objects are weighed. [1913 Webster]