mesure

la mesure (FR N-F) action of comparing sizes of things, with reference to a constant; size; appreciation of the value or importance of something; proportion, rapport; definite, specified amount; container of specific volume used to evaluate quantity of something; moderation in comportment; manner of acting in relation to the desired goal; regular or periodic succession of temporal divisions of equal value. First appears in French in 1080, from Latin mensura, metiri (to measure). (Vilmorin)