noun measure; dimensions; estimate.
2. gauge ·vt to measure or determine with a gauge.
3. gauge ·noun the distance between the rails of a railway.
4. gauge ·noun the depth to which a vessel sinks in the water.
5. gauge ·noun the quantity of plaster of paris used with common plaster to accelerate its setting.
6. gauge ·vt to draw into equidistant gathers by running a thread through it, as cloth or a garment.
7. gauge ·vt to measure or to ascertain the contents or the capacity of, as of a pipe, barrel, or keg.
8. gauge ·vt to measure the dimensions of, or to test the accuracy of the form of, as of a part of a gunlock.
9. gauge ·vt to measure the capacity, character, or ability of; to estimate; to judge of.
10. gauge ·noun a measure; a standard of measure; an instrument to determine dimensions, distance, or capacity; a standard.
11. gauge ·noun any instrument for ascertaining or regulating the dimensions or forms of things; a templet or template; as, a button maker's gauge.
12. gauge ·noun that part of a shingle, slate, or tile, which is exposed to the weather, when laid; also, one course of such shingles, slates, or tiles.
13. gauge ·noun relative positions of two or more vessels with reference to the wind; as, a vessel has the weather gauge of another when on the windward side of it, and the lee gauge when on the lee side of it.
14. gauge ·noun any instrument or apparatus for measuring the state of a phenomenon, or for ascertaining its numerical elements at any moment;
usually applied to some particular instrument; as, a rain gauge; a steam gauge.