The gauge and dimensions of misery, depression, and contempt.
Burke.
3. (Mach. & Manuf.) Any instrument for ascertaining or regulating the
dimensions or forms of things; a templet or template; as, a button
maker's gauge.
4. (Physics) Any instrument or apparatus for measuring the state of a
phenomenon, or for ascertaining its numerical elements at any moment;
-- usually applied to some particular instrument; as, a rain gauge; a
steam gauge.
5. (Naut.) (a) Relative positions of two or more vessels with reference
to the wind; as, a vessel has the weather gauge of another when on the
windward side of it, and the lee gauge when on the lee side of it. (b)
The depth to which a vessel sinks in the water. Totten.