Result from Foreign Dictionaries (4 entries found)

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]: Inchworm \Inch"worm`\, n. (Zool.) The larva of any geometrid moth. It progresses forward by first bringing the rear end of the body forward, forming a loop, then moving the front part of the body; called also {measuring} worm, {measuringworm}, {spanner}, and {looper}. See {Geometrid}. [1913 Webster] From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]: Measuring \Meas"ur*ing\, a. Used in, or adapted for, ascertaining measurements, or dividing by measure. [1913 Webster] {Measuring faucet}, a faucet which permits only a given quantity of liquid to pass each time it is opened, or one by means of which the liquid which passes can be measured. {Measuring worm} (Zool.), the larva of any geometrid moth. They are so called because they move by a process in which they first pull the rear legs forward toward their front legs, forming a loop which resembles the process of measuring with a tape measure. The motion is completed by subsequently moving the front legs forward to an advanced position. See {Geometrid}. [1913 Webster +PJC] From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]: 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. [1913 Webster] Great are thy works, Jehovah, infinite Thy power! what thought can measure thee? --Milton. [1913 Webster] 2. To serve as the measure of; as, the thermometer measures changes of temperature. [1913 Webster] 3. To pass throught or over in journeying, as if laying off and determining the distance. [1913 Webster] A true devoted pilgrim is not weary To measure kingdoms with his feeble steps. --Shak. [1913 Webster] 4. To adjust by a rule or standard. [1913 Webster] To secure a contented spirit, measure your desires by your fortunes, not your fortunes by your desires. --Jer. Taylor. [1913 Webster] 5. To allot or distribute by measure; to set off or apart by measure; -- often with out or off. [1913 Webster] With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. --Matt. vii. 2. [1913 Webster] That portion of eternity which is called time, measured out by the sun. --Addison. [1913 Webster] {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. [1913 Webster] From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]: measuring n 1: the act or process of assigning numbers to phenomena according to a rule; "the measurements were carefully done"; "his mental measurings proved remarkably accurate" [syn: {measurement}, {measuring}, {measure}, {mensuration}]