Gage \Gage\ (g[=a]j), n. [So called because an English family named Gage imported the greengage from France, in the last century.] A variety of plum; as, the greengage; also, the blue gage, frost gage, golden gage, etc., having more or less likeness to the greengage. See {Greengage}.
Gage \Gage\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Gaged} (g[=a]jd); p. pr & vb. n. {Gaging} (g[=a]"j[i^]ng).] [Cf. F. gager. See {Gage}, n., a pledge.] 1. To give or deposit as a pledge or security for some act; to wage or wager; to pawn or pledge. [Obs.]
A moiety competent Was gaged by our king. --Shak.
2. To bind by pledge, or security; to engage.
Great debts Wherein my time, sometimes too prodigal, Hath left me gaged. --Shak.
Gage \Gage\ (g[=a]j), n. [F. gage, LL. gadium, wadium; of German origin; cf. Goth. wadi, OHG. wetti, weti, akin to E. wed. See {Wed}, and cf. {Wage}, n.] 1. A pledge or pawn; something laid down or given as a security for the performance of some act by the person depositing it, and forfeited by nonperformance; security.
Nor without gages to the needy lend. --Sandys.
2. A glove, cap, or the like, cast on the ground as a challenge to combat, and to be taken up by the accepter of the challenge; a challenge; a defiance. ``There I throw my gage.'' --Shak.
Gage \Gage\, n. A measure or standard. See {Gauge}, n.
Gage \Gage\, v. t. To measure. See {Gauge}, v. t.
You shall not gage me By what we do to-night. --Shak.
Gauge \Gauge\ (g[=a]j), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Gauged}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Gauging}] [OF. gaugier, F. jauger, cf. OF. gauge gauge, measuring rod, F. jauge; of uncertain origin; perh. fr. an assumed L. qualificare to determine the qualities of a thing (see {Qualify}); but cf. also F. jalon a measuring stake in surveying, and E. gallon.] [Written also {gage}.] 1. To measure or determine with a gauge.
2. To measure or to ascertain the contents or the capacity of, as of a pipe, barrel, or keg.
3. (Mech.) To measure the dimensions of, or to test the accuracy of the form of, as of a part of a gunlock.
The vanes nicely gauged on each side. --Derham.
4. To draw into equidistant gathers by running a thread through it, as cloth or a garment.
5. To measure the capacity, character, or ability of; to estimate; to judge of.
You shall not gauge me By what we do to-night. --Shak.