different between yardstick vs statute

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

Etymology

From Middle English statut, from Old French statut, from Late Latin statutum (“a statute”), neuter singular of Latin statutus, past participle of statu? (“I set up, establish”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?stæt?u?t/

Noun

statute (countable and uncountable, plural statutes)

1. Written law, as laid down by the legislature.
2. (law, common law) Legislated rule of society which has been given the force of law by those it governs.

Derived terms

• statutory
• statutorily
• statutory rape

Translations

Further reading

• statute in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• statute in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.

Anagrams

• tautest

Latin

Participle

stat?te

1. vocative masculine singular of stat?tus

References

• statute in Harry Thurston Peck, editor (1898) Harper's Dictionary of Classical Antiquities, New York: Harper & Brothers