Lineal, or Long, measure, measure of length; the measure of lines or
distances. -- Liquid measure, the measure of liquids. -- Square
measure, the measure of superficial area of surfaces in square units,
as inches, feet, miles, etc. -- 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 take
one's measure, to measure one, as for a garment; hence, to form an
opinion of 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.
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.