measure

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
measure/ˈmeʒə(r)/

▶verb

• 1 ascertain the size, amount, or degree of (something) by comparison with a standard unit or with an object of known size.

  ■ be of (a specified size or degree).

  ■ (measure something out) take an exact quantity of something.

• 2 assess the extent, quality, value, or effect of.

  ■ (measure up) reach the required or expected standard.

• 3 archaic travel over (a certain distance or area).

▶noun

• 1 a means of achieving a purpose: cost-cutting measures.

  ■ a legislative bill.

• 2 a standard unit used to express size, amount, or degree.

  ■ an instrument such as a container, rod, or tape marked with standard units and used for measuring.

• 3 (a measure of) a certain amount or degree of.

  ■ an indication of extent or quality.

• 4 the rhythm of a piece of poetry or a piece of music.

  ■ a particular metrical unit or group.

  ■ N. Amer. a bar of music or the time of a piece of music.

• 5 archaic a dance.

• 6 (measures) a group of rock strata.

• 7 Printing the width of a full line of type or print, typically expressed in picas.

– phrases
beyond measure to a very great extent.
for good measure as an amount or item beyond that which is strictly required.
get (or take or have) the measure of assess or have assessed the character or abilities of.
in —— measure to the degree specified.

– derivatives
measurer noun.

– origin ME (also in the sense ‘moderation’): from OFr. mesure, from L. mensura, from mens-, metiri ‘measure’.