The action of measuring; calculation, reckoning; also fig.; yerd of ~, a measuring stick; passen ~, to be beyond measure; bi line ~, measured with a measuring cord.

(a) An instrument or vessel used for measuring quantity; a twine used for measuring length; also fig.; (b) any standard measure of quantity for grains, liquids, cloths, etc.; also, a system of measuring of commodities for a country or town; ~ striken, level or full measure [see also striken]; gret ~, ?a system of measuring having larger than standard units [cp. gret 1b. (d)]; (c) a dry measure of varying capacity; also, a liquid measure varying from half a pint to two and a half quarts; (d) ?a rule of conduct or behavior, criterion; ?standard; ?also, a model, paragon.

(a) The size of objects, spaces, etc.; the proper size of any given object; the size of population of an area; the stature or height of a person; (b) the extent of any dimension of an object, such as, length, width, height, circumference; ben (conteinen) of ~, to be (six feet, two cubits, etc.) in length; (c) any or the whole of the dimensions of an object or space as gauged by measuring; a measurement; taken measure(s, to ascertain the measurements of something; taken ~ of, measure (clothing, area, height, etc.).

(a) The measurable amount or quantity of things; ?weight; also fig.; god ~, an adequate or ample amount; in god ~, to a large measure; principally; (b) an apportioned or allotted amount of something; a share or lot of punishment; a portion or section of something; a dosage of medicine; bi ~, by rationing; withouten ~, of medicine:?with no fixed dosage; (c) an amount or quantity of grain or liquid as measured by a given unit of measure; (d) the quantity of someone's sin, love, faith, etc.; fot ~ of cuttinge of, the measure in feet of (one's) thread of life, (one's) allotted time.

The value of something.

(a) The capacity of a bodily organ, limit; mouthes ~, ?the appetite of the mouth; ?gluttony; pl. the banks of a river; waxen over mesures, of rivers: to flood; (b) the bounds of reason, intellect, etc.; a limit.

(a) Proper proportion, balance; ?harmony; after the ~, proportionately; after the ~ of, in proportion to (sth.); bi (in) ~, by due proportion, proportionately; well-proportioned; of even ~, proportional (to sth. in size); kepen ~, to maintain balance; (b) ?that which is fitting or appropriate; ?a proper manner or way; a ~, fitting, suitable, appropriate; (c) a plan or design.

(a) Moderation in food, drink, spending, etc.; temperance, abstemiousness; ~ and met; bi (in, with) ~, in moderation, temperately; in ~, moderate, mild; out of (over, withouten) ~, immoderately, intemperately; out of (withouten) ~, immoderate, excessive; holden (kepen) ~, to be temperate, observe moderation or a moderate course in eating; (b) temperance as one of the seven cardinal virtues; ~ and met; (c) restraint in conduct, manner, etc.; modesty; discretion in speech; caution, prudence; at (bi, in, with) ~, discreetly, prudently; deliberately; to (with) ~, with reservation or restraint; ben of ~, to be discreet or well-mannered; holden no ~, exercise no care or discretion; ?of emotions: be uncontrolled; (d) conciliation, compromise; also, a reasonable proposal or suggestion; without ~, unreasonable, -ably; (e) mercy, compassion; out of ~, cruel, harsh; withouten ~, mercilessly, ruthlessly; (f) the action of moderating or tempering of emotions; maken ~ of, to moderate or ease (pain); (g) the personification of moderation or fairness; (h) in proverbs & sayings.

In phrases: (a) above (out, out of, over, passing, withouten) ~, excessively, extremely, boundlessly, infinitely; without stint; (b) out of (over, passing al, withouten) ~, excessive; in abundance; of persons, animals, or things: huge; of land: vast; of wind: violent, strong; of joy, woes, pain: boundless, immense; out of al ~, beyond all bounds, outrageous; (c) exceden (overpassen, passen) ~, to exceed the bounds of propriety or moderation; be excessive.

(a) ?A rhythmic pattern or mode in music; ?a tune; melody; also, a step of a dance [quot.: ?c1430]; (b) ?a type of poetical rhythm.