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verb Scale v. t. (past & past part. scaled; pres. part. scaling) To weigh or measure according to a scale; to measure; also, to grade or vary according to a scale or system. "Scaling his present bearing with his past." To scale a debt, wages, etc. or To scale down a debt, wages, etc., to reduce a debt, etc., according to a fixed ratio or scale. (U.S.)
Scale v. t. 1.To strip or clear of scale or scales; as, to scale a fish; to scale the inside of a boiler. 2.To take off in thin layers or scales, as tartar from the teeth; to pare off, as a surface. "If all the mountains were scaled, and the earth made even." 3.To scatter; to spread. (Scot. & Prov. Eng.) 4.(Gun.) To clean, as the inside of a cannon, by the explosion of a small quantity of powder.
Scale v. t. To climb by a ladder, or as if by a ladder; to ascend by steps or by climbing; to clamber up; as, to scale the wall of a fort. "Oft have I scaled the craggy oak."
Scale v. i. 1.To separate and come off in thin layers or laminae; as, some sandstone scales by exposure. "Those that cast their shell are the lobster and crab; the old skins are found, but the old shells never; so it is likely that they scale off." 2.To separate; to scatter. (Scot. & Prov. Eng.)
Scale v. i. To lead up by steps; to ascend. (Obs.) "Satan from hence, now on the lower stair, That scaled by steps of gold to heaven-gate, Looks down with wonder."
adjective Scaling adj. 1.Adapted for removing scales, as from a fish; as, a scaling knife; adapted for removing scale, as from the interior of a steam boiler; as, a scaling hammer, bar, etc. 2.Serving as an aid in clambering; as, a scaling ladder, used in assaulting a fortified place.
Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48
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