gauge

noun

1. a standard measure or scale of measurement
2. dimensions, capacity, thickness, etc.
3. any device for measuring something, as the thickness of wire, the dimensions of a machined part, the amount of liquid in a container, steam pressure, etc.
4. any means of estimating or judging
5. the distance between the rails of a rail track
6. the distance between parallel wheels at opposite ends of an axle
7. the size of a bore, esp. of a shotgun, expressed in terms of the number per pound of round lead balls of a diameter equal to that of the bore
8. the thickness of sheet metal, diameter of wire, etc.
9. 1. a measure of the fineness of a knitted or crocheted fabric
   2. the fineness of a machine-knitted fabric expressed in terms of the number of loops per 1 inches
10. Naut. the position of a ship in relation to another ship and the wind a sailboat that has the weather gauge of another boat is to windward of it
11. Plastering the amount of plaster of Paris used with common plaster to hasten its setting

Etymology: ME < NormFr: see the gauge

transitive verb gauged, gauging gaug′·ing

1. to measure accurately by means of a gauge
2. to measure the size, amount, extent, or capacity of
3. to estimate; judge; appraise
4. to bring to correct gauge; make conform with a standard
5. Masonry to cut or rub (bricks or stone) to a desired shape
6. Plastering to mix (plaster) in the proportions required for a specified setting time

Etymology: ME gaugen < NormFr gaugier, prob. < VL *gallicare < ?