I. noun
also gage ˈgāj
Etymology: Middle English gauge, from Anglo-French
Date: 15th century
1.
a. : a measurement (as of linear dimension) according to some standard or system: as
(1) : the distance between the rails of a railroad
(2) : the size of a shotgun barrel's inner diameter nominally expressed as the number of lead balls each just fitting that diameter required to make a pound
a 12- gauge shotgun
(3) : the thickness of a thin material (as sheet metal or plastic film)
(4) : the diameter of a slender object (as wire or a hypodermic needle)
(5) : the fineness of a knitted fabric expressed by the number of loops per unit width
b. : dimensions, size
c. : measure 1
surveys are a gauge of public sentiment
2. : an instrument for or a means of measuring or testing: as
a. : an instrument for measuring a dimension or for testing mechanical accuracy
b. : an instrument with a graduated scale or dial for measuring or indicating quantity
3. : relative position of a ship with reference to another ship and the wind
4. : a function introduced into a field equation to produce a convenient form of the equation but having no observable physical consequences
Synonyms: see standard
II. transitive verb
also gage
( gauged also gaged ; gaug·ing also gag·ing )
Date: 15th century
1.
a. : to measure precisely the size, dimensions, or other measurable quantity of
b. : to determine the capacity or contents of
c. : estimate , judge
hard to gauge his moods
2.
a. : to check for conformity to specifications or limits
b. : to measure off or set out