different between yardstick vs ordinance

English

Etymology

yard +? stick

Noun

yardstick (plural yardsticks)

1. A measuring rod thirty-six inches (one yard) long.
2. (figuratively) A standard to which other measurements or comparisons are judged.

   Synonyms: norm, point of reference, benchmark, ideal

   • 2008 April 8, Michael R. Gordon and Eric Schmitt, “Attacks in Baghdad spiked in March, U.S. data show”, in International Herald Tribune, 2008 April 8 edition, “Africa & Middle East” section,

     Attacks against civilians in the capital remained relatively unchanged: 69 in March from 62 in February. ¶ However, another yardstick, the number of civilian deaths tracked by the Iraqi government, shot up last month after several months of decline.

Derived terms

• Portsmouth yardstick

Translations

Further reading

• yardstick on Wikipedia.Wikipedia

English

Alternative forms

• (obsolete) ordinaunce

Etymology

From Middle English (ca. 1300), from Old French ordenance (Modern French ordonnance) "decree, command", from Middle Latin ordinantia, from ordinans, the present participle of Latin ordinare "put in order" (whence ordain).

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /???d(?)n?ns/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /???d(?)n?ns/

Noun

ordinance (plural ordinances)

1. A local law (US)
2. An edict or decree, authoritative order.
   1. (England) Prior to the Third English Civil War, a decree of Parliament.
   2. (Britain, pre-1992 universities, Commonwealth of Nations) Detailed legislation that translates the broad principles of the university's charter and statutes into practical effect.
   3. (Hong Kong) A law enacted by the Hong Kong Legislative Council.
   4. (India) A temporary law promulgated by the President of India on the recommendation of the Union Cabinet.
3. A religious practice or ritual prescribed by the church.

Usage notes

This word is sometimes confused with ordnance, or military weaponry.

Derived terms

• ordnance

Translations

References

• “ordinance”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–present.

Anagrams

• draconine