Measure

(mēzh'yūr), n. [Fr. mesure, Pr. mesura, mensura, Sp. mesura, It. misura, Lat. mensura, from metiri, mensus, to measure, allied to Eng. mete, q. v.] 1. The dimensions of any thing, reckoned according to some standard; size or extent, determined and stated; estimated extent. The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. Job xi. 9. 2. Determined extent, not to be exceeded; limit; allotted share, as of action, influence, ability, or the like; due proportion. Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days. Ps. xxxix. 4. Not boasting of things without our measure. 2 Cor. x. 15. I'll never pause again Till either death hath closed these eyes of mine, Or fortune given me measure of revenge. Shak. If else thou seekest Aught not surpassing human measure, say. Milton. I enter not into the particulars of the law of nature, or its measures of punishment; yet there is such a law. Locke.

3. Hence, extent or degree not beyond bounds, or excessive; moderation; due restraint; especially in the phrases in measure, with measure, without or beyond measure.
4. A standard of dimension; a fixed unit of quantity or extent; an extent or quantity in terms of which any thing is estimated and stated; hence, a rule by which any thing is adjusted or judged.

God's goodness is the measure of his providence. More.

5. An instrument by means of which size or quantity is measured, as a graduated line, rod, vessel, or the like.
6. The contents of a vessel by which quantity is measured; a quantity determined by a standard; a stated or limited quantity or amount.

It is like leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal. Luke xiii. 21. 7. Undefined quantity; extent; degree. I have laid down, in some measure, the description of the old world. Abbot. A great measure of discretion is to be used in the performance of confession. Bp. Taylor. 8. Regulated division of movement; as, (a.) (Dancing.) A regulated movement corresponding to the time in which the accompanying music is performed; but, especially, a grave, solemn style of dance, with slow and measured steps, like the minuet. But after these, as men more civil grew, He did more grave and solemn measures frame.... Yet all the feet whereon these measures go, Are only spondees, solemn, grave, and slow. J. Davies. (b.) (Mus.) That division of the time by which the air and motion of music are regulated; as, ₂/₂ measure, ₆/₈ measure. Moore. (c.) (Poetry.) The manner of ordering and combining the quantities, or long and short syllables; meter; rhythm; hence, a foot; as, a poem in hexameter measure.

9. Means to an end, viewed as being preparatory steps for the end to which they are to lead; an act, step, or proceeding designed for the accomplishment of an object;—an extensive signification of the word, applicable to almost every act preparatory to a final end, and by which it is to be attained; as, legislative measures, political measures, public measures, prudent measures, a rash measure, effectual measures, inefficient measures. “His hard measures, and banishment of the faithful and invincible Athanasius.” Milton.
10. (pl.) (Geol.) Beds or strata; as, coal measures; lead measures.

Lineal or long measure, measure of length; the measure of lines or distances.—Liquid measure, the measure of liquors.—Square measure, the measure of the superficial area of surfaces in square units, as inches, feet, miles, &c.—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 tread a measure, to dance in the style so called. See 8. (a.) Say to her, we have measured many a mile To tread a measure with her on this grass. Shak.