foot-rule

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