I. ˈka-lə-pər noun
Etymology: alteration of caliber
Date: 1588
1.
a. : any of various measuring instruments having two usually adjustable arms, legs, or jaws used especially to measure diameter or thickness — usually used in plural
a pair of caliper s
b. : a device for pressing a frictional material (as a brake pad) against the sides of a rotating wheel or disc
2. : thickness especially of paper, cardboard, or a tree
[
caliper 1a
]
II. transitive verb
( -pered ; cal·i·per·ing -p(ə-)riŋ)
Date: 1876
: to measure by or as if by calipers