to measure swords with one

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

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]

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. [1913 Webster]

2.Hence, the emblem of judicial vengeance or punishment, or of authority and power. [1913 Webster]

He [the ruler] beareth not the sword in vain.— Rom. xiii. 4.[1913 Webster]

She quits the balance, and resigns the sword.— Dryden.[1913 Webster]

3.Destruction by the sword, or in battle; war; dissension. [1913 Webster]

I came not to send peace, but a sword.— Matt. x. 34.[1913 Webster]

4.The military power of a country. [1913 Webster]

He hath no more authority over the sword than over the law.— Milton.[1913 Webster]

5.(Weaving) One of the end bars by which the lay of a hand loom is suspended. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]