one's disposition, character, ability, etc. — To tread a measure, to dance in the style so called. See 9
(a).
Say to her, we have measured many miles
To tread a measure with her on this grass.
Shak. 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.
Great are thy works, Jehovah, infinite
Thy power! what thought can measure thee?
Milton. 2. To serve as the measure of; as, the thermometer measures changes of temperature.
3. To pass throught or over in journeying, as if laying off and determining the distance.
A true devoted pilgrim is not weary
To measure kingdoms with his feeble steps.
Shak. 4. To adjust by a rule or standard.
To secure a contented spirit, measure your desires by your fortunes, not your fortunes by your desires.
Jer. Taylor. 5. To allot or distribute by measure; to set off or apart by measure; — often with out or off.
With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Matt. vii. 2.
That portion of eternity which is called time, measured out by the sun.
Addison. 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.
Measure
(Meas"ure) v. i.
1. To make a measurement or measurements.
2. To result, or turn out, on measuring; as, the grain measures well; the pieces measure unequally.
3. To be of a certain size or quantity, or to have a certain length, breadth, or thickness, or a certain
capacity according to a standard measure; as, cloth measures three fourths of a yard; a tree measures
three feet in diameter.
