Found 1 items, similar to To measure swords with one.
English → English (gcide) Definition: To measure swords with one Measure \Meas"ure\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Measured; p. pr. & vb. n. Measuring.] [F. mesurer, L. mensurare. See Measure, n.] 1. To ascertain by use of a measuring instrument; to compute or ascertain the extent, quantity, dimensions, or capacity of, by a certain rule or standard; to take the dimensions of; hence, to estimate; to judge of; to value; to appraise. [1913 Webster] Great are thy works, Jehovah, infinite Thy power! what thought can measure thee? --Milton. [1913 Webster] 2. To serve as the measure of; as, the thermometer measures changes of temperature. [1913 Webster] 3. To pass throught or over in journeying, as if laying off and determining the distance. [1913 Webster] A true devoted pilgrim is not weary To measure kingdoms with his feeble steps. --Shak. [1913 Webster] 4. To adjust by a rule or standard. [1913 Webster] To secure a contented spirit, measure your desires by your fortunes, not your fortunes by your desires. --Jer. Taylor. [1913 Webster] 5. To allot or distribute by measure; to set off or apart by measure; -- often with out or off. [1913 Webster] With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. --Matt. vii. 2. [1913 Webster] That portion of eternity which is called time, measured out by the sun. --Addison. [1913 Webster] To measure swords with one, to try another's skill in the use of the sword; hence, figuratively, to match one's abilities against an antagonist's. [1913 Webster] Sword \Sword\ (s[=o]rd), n. [OE. swerd, AS. sweord; akin to OFries. swerd, swird, D. zwaard, OS. swerd, OHG. swert, G. schwert, Icel. sver[eth], Sw. sv["a]rd, Dan. sv[ae]rd; of uncertain origin.] 1. An offensive weapon, having a long and usually sharp-pointed blade with a cutting edge or edges. It is the general term, including the small sword, rapier, saber, scimiter, and many other varieties. [1913 Webster] 2. Hence, the emblem of judicial vengeance or punishment, or of authority and power. [1913 Webster] He [the ruler] beareth not the sword in vain. --Rom. xiii. 4. [1913 Webster] She quits the balance, and resigns the sword. --Dryden. [1913 Webster] 3. Destruction by the sword, or in battle; war; dissension. [1913 Webster] I came not to send peace, but a sword. --Matt. x. 34. [1913 Webster] 4. The military power of a country. [1913 Webster] He hath no more authority over the sword than over the law. --Milton. [1913 Webster] 5. (Weaving) One of the end bars by which the lay of a hand loom is suspended. [1913 Webster] Sword arm, the right arm. Sword bayonet, a bayonet shaped somewhat like a sword, and which can be used as a sword. Sword bearer, one who carries his master's sword; an officer in London who carries a sword before the lord mayor when he goes abroad. Sword belt, a belt by which a sword is suspended, and borne at the side. Sword blade, the blade, or cutting part, of a sword. Sword cane, a cane which conceals the blade of a sword or dagger, as in a sheath. Sword dance. (a) A dance in which swords are brandished and clashed together by the male dancers. --Sir W. Scott. (b) A dance performed over swords laid on the ground, but without touching them. Sword fight, fencing; a combat or trial of skill with swords; swordplay. Sword grass. (Bot.) See Gladen. Sword knot, a ribbon tied to the hilt of a sword. Sword law, government by the sword, or by force; violence. --Milton. Sword lily. (Bot.) See Gladiolus. Sword mat (Naut.), a mat closely woven of yarns; -- so called from a wooden implement used in its manufacture. Sword shrimp (Zo["o]l.), a European shrimp (Pasiph[ae]a sivado ) having a very thin, compressed body. Sword stick, a sword cane. To measure swords with one. See under Measure, v. t. To put to the sword. See under Put. [1913 Webster]