ɡeɪdʒ n. & v. (US gage: see
also sense 7) --n. 1 a
standard measure to
which certain things must
conform, esp.: a
the measure of the
capacity or contents of a
barrel. b the fineness of a
textile. c the
diameter of a
bullet. d the
thickness of sheet
metal. 2
any of
various instruments
for measuring or determining
this, or for measuring
length, thickness, or
other dimensions or properties. 3 the
distance between a
pair of rails or the wheels on
one axle. 4 the capacity,
extent, or scope of
something. 5 a
means of estimating; a
criterion or test. 6 a graduated
instrument measuring the force or
quantity of
rainfall,
stream,
tide, wind, etc. 7 (usu. gage) Naut. a
relative position with respect to the wind. --v.tr. 1 measure
exactly (esp. objects of standard size). 2
determine the capacity or content
of. 3
estimate or
form a
judgement of (a
person,
temperament,
situation, etc.). 4
make uniform;
bring to a standard size or
shape. øgauge
pressure the
amount by which a pressure exceeds
that of the
atmosphere.
take the gauge of estimate. øøgaugeable adj. gauger n. [ME f. ONF gauge, gauger, of unkn. orig.]
