foot rule

American  

noun

1. a ruler one foot (30.48 centimeters) in length.

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foot rule British  

noun

1. a rigid measure, one foot in length

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Etymology

Origin of foot rule

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

"There will be occasions were the 20 foot rule would be unconstitutional, but I'm not sure that would make the statute unconstitutional on its face," he says.

From US News • Jan. 11, 2016

When I put question to him, he'll say, 'How can I tell the Hon. Member, not having a foot rule in my pocket.'

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 105 September 23, 1893 by Various

Example: Take a foot rule and mark off 10 in on a piece of paper, dividing it into alternate half inches making, of course, twenty half inches; this represents the carcase.

From Practical Taxidermy A manual of instruction to the amateur in collecting, preserving, and setting up natural history specimens of all kinds. To which is added a chapter upon the pictorial arrangement of museums. With additional instructions in modelling and artistic taxidermy. by Browne, Montagu

Heaven help us!" he said, coming over to the spring, "I found him making for the shelter-house, armed with a foot rule!

From Where There's a Will by Rinehart, Mary Roberts

He asked me for a foot rule, and he measured the little couch in the bedroom.

From Jezebel's Daughter by Collins, Wilkie