■ noun
1》 a level of quality or attainment.
↘a required or agreed level of quality or attainment.
↘ Brit. historical (in elementary schools) a grade of proficiency tested by examination.
2》 something used as a measure, norm, or model in comparative evaluations.
↘( ~s ) principles of honourable, decent behaviour.
↘the prescribed weight of fine metal in gold or silver coins.
↘a system by which the value of a currency is defined in terms of gold or silver.
↘a measure for timber, equivalent to 165 cu. ft (4.67 cubic metres).
3》 (especially with reference to jazz or blues) a tune or song of established popularity.
4》 a military or ceremonial flag.
5》 a tree that grows on an erect stem of full height.
↘a shrub grafted on an erect stem and trained in tree form.
6》 an upright water or gas pipe.
■ adjective used or accepted as normal or average.
↘(of a size, measure, etc.) such as is regularly used or produced.
↘(of a work, writer, etc.) viewed as authoritative and so widely read.
Phrases
raise one's (or the ) ~ take up arms.
Derivatives
~ly adverb
Origin
ME: shortening of OFr. estendart , from estendre 'extend'; in sense 4, influenced by stand .