— calibered; esp. Brit., calibred , adj.
/kal"euh beuhr/ , n.
1. the diameter of something of circular section, esp. that of the inside of a tube: a pipe of three-inch caliber.
2. Ordn. the diameter of the bore of a gun taken as a unit of measurement.
3. degree of capacity or competence; ability: a mathematician of high caliber.
4. degree of merit or excellence; quality: the high moral caliber of the era.
Also, esp. Brit., calibre .
[ 1560-70; var. of calibre qalib mold, last kalápous shoe last, equiv. to kala- comb. form of kâlon wood + poús foot (see -POD) ]
Syn. 4. worth, distinction.