I. noun
or gage ˈgāj
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English gauge, from Old North French, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German galgo cross, gallows — more at gallows
1.
a. : measurement especially according to some standard or system
make a note of the gauge of each barrel
b. : the dimensions or extent of something
cannot mark the gauge of her sufferings
glanced about to take the gauge of the situation
2.
a. : an instrument for or means of testing
used a notched rod for a gauge to estimate the content of the barrels
b. usually gage : an instrument for checking or measuring a particular dimension of an object (as thickness, depth, or diameter)
c. : a carpenter's tool for scribing a line parallel to the edge of a piece of work — called also marking gauge ; compare mortise gauge
d. usually gage : any of various instruments usually provided with a graduated scale or dial for measuring or indicating quantity
gasoline gage
e. : a bookbinders tool used to secure uniform size, spacing, or position of materials
f. : perforation gauge ; sometimes : perforation number
g. printing
(1) : guide
(2) : height gauge 2
(3) : line gauge
(4) : page gauge
3.
a. : relative position of a ship with reference to another ship and the wind — see lee gauge , weather gauge
b. : the depth to which a ship sinks in the water when fully loaded
4.
a. usually gage : the distance between the heads of the rails of a railroad measured at right angles thereto at a point 5/8 inch below the top of the rail, standard gage in most countries being now 4 feet 8 1/2 inches
b. : the distance between a pair of wheels on an axle — compare wheelbase
5. : the quantity of plaster of paris used with mortar to accelerate its setting for special purposes — see gauge stuff
6. : the size of a shotgun expressed as the number in a pound of round lead balls of a size to just fit into the barrel
a 12- gauge shotgun
shotguns of different gauges
— compare bore , caliber
7. : the thickness especially of sheet metal or the diameter especially of wire, a hypodermic needle, or a screw — see wire gauge 2
8.
a. : the number of needles in 1 1/2 inches of the needlebar of a knitting machine
b. : the fineness of a knitted fabric determined by the number of loops per 1 1/2 inch based in turn on the number of needles per 1 1/2 inch
51- gauge hosiery is sheerer than 45- gauge
c. : the number of stitches per inch in hand knitting and crocheting — used especially in describing patterns
Synonyms: see standard
II. transitive verb
or gage “
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English gaugen, from Old North French gaugier, from gauge, n.
1.
a. : to measure exactly : determine precisely the size of (as a standardized part), amount of (as rainfall), dimensions, or other measurable value of (as intensity or velocity) ; broadly : to estimate (some quantity) by practical or logical means
gauging his progress by the milestones he passed
b. : to determine the capacity or amount of contents of (as a cask or comparable vessel)
c. : to measure the capacity, character, or ability of : appraise , judge
gauging the probable response of the electorate by sampling techniques
I would not gauge the future on what I know of the past
how would you gauge his conduct?
d. usually gage : to determine the flow of (a stream) by measurement of the cross section and the velocity
2.
a. : to check or limit with or as if with a gauge
he gauged each part of the model with calipers
broadly : to cause to conform to a standard (as of measurement or performance)
b. : to measure off or set out
gauge the line for the foundation
sometimes : to set bounds to
c.
(1) : to determine the perforation number of (a stamp)
(2) : to have (an indicated perforation number) by measurement
a stamp gauging 10
3. : to mix (plaster) in certain definite proportions (as for quick drying) : mix plaster of paris with (mortar) for quick setting
4. : to dress (bricks or stones) to size by rubbing or chipping
5. : to set (an insert) in the right position in bookbinding
6.
a. : to gather (sewing) with alternating short and long stitches
b. : to hold evenly distributed gathers with (as smocking)