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

Even with instruments specially contrived for such a purpose - with a foot rule, a level, or a theodolite - it is not easy to be exact; it is easier, alas! to be inexact.

From Virginibus Puerisque and Other Papers by Stevenson, Robert Louis

Let the children mark off the distances with a foot rule and chalk, going as high as twenty.

From Civics and Health by Allen, William H.

They would, for instance, call a two foot rule one and a half or two and a half feet long.

From Popular Education For the use of Parents and Teachers, and for Young Persons of Both Sexes by Mayhew, Ira