n.
- a level of quality or attainment.
▸a required or agreed level of quality or attainment.
▸Brit. historical (in elementary schools) a grade of proficiency tested by examination.
- something used as a measure, norm, or model in comparative evaluations.
▸
(standards)
principles of honourable, decent behaviour.
▸the prescribed weight of fine metal in gold or silver coins.
▸a system by which the value of a currency is defined in terms of gold or silver.
▸a measure for timber, equivalent to 165 cu. ft (4.67 cubic metres).
- (especially with reference to jazz or blues) a tune or song of established popularity.
- a military or ceremonial flag.
- a tree that grows on an erect stem of full height.
▸a shrub grafted on an erect stem and trained in tree form.
- an upright water or gas pipe.
adj.
used or accepted as normal or average.
▸(of a size, measure, etc.) such as is regularly used or produced.
▸(of a work, writer, etc.) viewed as authoritative and so widely read.
Phrase
- raise one's
(or the)
standard
take up arms.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: shortening of OFr. estendart, from estendre ‘extend’; in sense 4, influenced by stand.