gauge

n. & v. (US gage: see also sense 7)
—n.
1 a standard measure to which certain things must conform, esp.: a the measure of the capacity or contents of a barrel. b the fineness of a textile. c the diameter of a bullet. d the thickness of sheet metal.
2 any of various instruments for measuring or determining this, or for measuring length, thickness, or other dimensions or properties.
3 the distance between a pair of rails or the wheels on one axle.
4 the capacity, extent, or scope of something.
5 a means of estimating; a criterion or test.
6 a graduated instrument measuring the force or quantity of rainfall, stream, tide, wind, etc.
7 (usu. gage) Naut. a relative position with respect to the wind.
—v.tr.
1 measure exactly (esp. objects of standard size).
2 determine the capacity or content of.
3 estimate or form a judgement of (a person, temperament, situation, etc.).
4 make uniform; bring to a standard size or shape.
Phrases and idioms:
gauge pressure the amount by which a pressure exceeds that of the atmosphere. take the gauge of estimate.
Derivatives:
gaugeable adj. gauger n.
Etymology: ME f. ONF gauge, gauger, of unkn. orig.