Webster's English Dictionary

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gauge

Cross references:
  1. standard              
 
1. gauge \'ga-j\ n [ME, gauge, fr. ONF] 1a: measurement according to some 
   standard or system  1b: DIMENSIONS, SIZE  2a: an instrument for measuring 
   or testing  2b: an instrument for measuring a dimension or for testing 
   mechanical accur acy 2c: an instrument with a graduated scale or dial for 
   measuring or indicatin g quantity 3: relative position of a ship with 
   reference to another ship and the wind  4a: the distance between the rails 
   of a railroad  4b: the distance between a pair of wheels on an axle  5: the 
   quantity of plaster of paris used with mortar to accelerate its sett ing 6: 
   the size of a shotgun expressed as the number of lead balls each just fi 
   tting the interior diameter of the barrel required to make a pound {a 
   12-gauge shotgun} 7a: the thickness of sheet metal or the diameter of wire, 
   a hypodermic need le, or a screw 7b: the fineness of a knitted fabric in 
   loops per 11/2 inch 
2. gauge \'ga--j*-b*l\ \-ble-\ vt 1a: to measure the size, dimensions, or 
   other measurable quantity of exact ly 1b: to determine the capacity or 
   contents of  1c: ESTIMATE, JUDGE  2a: to check for conformity to 
   specifications or limits  2b: to measure off or set out  3: to mix 
   (plaster) in definite proportions  4: to dress (as bricks) to size by 
   rubbing or chipping  - gauge.able aj