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

The other dramatists followed him in placing imaginative interpretation above measurements by the foot rule of the intellect.

From Halleck's New English Literature by Halleck, Reuben Post

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.

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 Harvard Classics Volume 28 Essays English and American by Eliot, Charles William

Those at the front of the lines should hold a ball or any substitute for passing backward over the head, such as a bean bag, eraser, foot rule, or book.

From Games for the Playground, Home, School and Gymnasium by Bancroft, Jessie Hubbell