in geometry, denotes any quantity assumed as one, or unity, to which the ratio of other homogeneous or similar quantities is expressed.

in a legal and commercial sense, denotes a certain quantity or proportion of anything bought, sold, valued, or the like. Measures are then various, according to the various kinds and dimensions of the things measured. Hence arise linear or longitudinal measures, for lines or lengths; square measures, for areas or surfaces; and solid or cubic measures, for bodies and their capacities. All which again are very different in different countries, and in different ages, and even many of them for different commodities. Whence arise other divisions of ancient and modern measures, domestic and foreign ones, dry measures, liquid measures, &c. For the different kinds of measures, see Arithmetic, Geometry; and the particular names of measures, as they occur in the alphabetical order.

Measure is also used to signify the cadence and time observed in poetry, dancing, and music, to render them regular and agreeable.

music, the interval or space of time which the person who beats time takes between the rising and falling of his hand, in order to conduct the movement sometimes quicker and sometimes slower, according to the music or subject that is to be sung or played.