Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun A rule or measure 12 inches long; a rule for taking measurements in feet and inches.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • Those who set about criticisizing poetry with a foot-rule, or a set of proportions and qualities which they think every poem ought to exhibit, end up making themselves ridiculous.

    2009 June 27 | NIGEL BEALE NOTA BENE BOOKS 2009

  • Those who set about criticisizing poetry with a foot-rule, or a set of proportions and qualities which they think every poem ought to exhibit, end up making themselves ridiculous.

    How to Write about Poetry 2009

  • Frau Lenore was stooping down, measuring with a big folding foot-rule the space between the windows.

    The Torrents of Spring 2006

  • Frau Lenore was alarmed, and the foot-rule slipped out of her hands.

    The Torrents of Spring 2006

  • Duffus had a foot-rule in his hand with which he tapped the plaster.

    The Years 2004

  • Has your fancy, which pooh-poohs a simile, faith enough to build a city with a foot-rule?

    Notes of a Journey From Cornhill to Grand Cairo 2004

  • Intelligence is little more than a short foot-rule by which we measure the infinite achievements of Circumstances.

    The Beautiful and Damned 2003

  • Whether it be a square or a circle or a sphere, it cannot be infinite, any more than a foot-rule can.

    On the Heavens 2002

  • In saying which he took up a little ivory foot-rule that was folded up so as to bring it within the compass of three inches.

    Can You Forgive Her? 1993

  • European (producing foot-rule): A metre and a half, at least.

    Flashman And The Mountain Of Light Fraser, George MacDonald, 1925- 1990

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