The Collaborative International Dictionary
Scale \Scale\ (sk[=a]l), n. [AS. sc[=a]le; perhaps influenced by the kindred Icel. sk[=a]l balance, dish, akin also to D. schaal a scale, bowl, shell, G. schale, OHG. sc[=a]la, Dan. skaal drinking cup, bowl, dish, and perh. to E. scale of a fish. Cf. Scale of a fish, Skull the brain case.]
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The dish of a balance; hence, the balance itself; an instrument or machine for weighing; as, to turn the scale; -- chiefly used in the plural when applied to the whole instrument or apparatus for weighing. Also used figuratively.
Long time in even scale The battle hung.
--Milton.The scales are turned; her kindness weighs no more Now than my vows.
--Waller. -
pl. (Astron.) The sign or constellation Libra.
Platform scale. See under Platform.
Platform \Plat"form`\, n. [Plat, a. + -form: cf. F. plateforme.]
A plat; a plan; a sketch; a model; a pattern. Used also figuratively. [Obs.]
--Bacon.-
A place laid out after a model. [Obs.]
lf the platform just reflects the order.
--Pope. Any flat or horizontal surface; especially, one that is raised above some particular level, as a framework of timber or boards horizontally joined so as to form a roof, or a raised floor, or portion of a floor; a landing; a dais; a stage, for speakers, performers, or workmen; a standing place.
A declaration of the principles upon which a person, a sect, or a party proposes to stand; a declared policy or system; as, the Saybrook platform; a political platform. ``The platform of Geneva.''
--Hooker.-
(Naut.) A light deck, usually placed in a section of the hold or over the floor of the magazine. See Orlop.
Platform car, a railway car without permanent raised sides or covering; a f?at.
Platform scale, a weighing machine, with a flat platform on which objects are weighed.
Usage examples of "platform scale".
Then he drove onto a platform scale large enough to hold an eighteen-wheel truck and trailer.
The bailiff and two deputies appeared trundling a platform scale, taken from the jail building and used to weigh prisoners at the time they were booked.
A nearly square-topped metal arch, it stood on a base that reminded him just a little of a large platform scale.
The chief staff cook had Carlos lay the meat on a platform scale, placed weights on a counter-beam until it balanced, and examined the invoice Carlos handed him.