tapeline, tape measure

A ribbon of tape or other material winding upon an axis inside a case. They are made of linen or steel, from ten to 100 feet long, and divided into feet, inches, and sub divisions of an inch. IMG:content-0812.png:[blocks in formation] 4003 2. Tapering form; gradual diminution of thickne in an elongated object; that which po e es a tapering form. "In shape it differs somewhat from the Whitehead, being not only a third longer, but having a blunter head and a greater length of taper aft."-London Daily Tele graph . II. Bot .: Verbascum thapsus . [HIGTAPER.] B. As adjective: I. Ord. Lang.: Long and becoming regularly more slender toward the point; tapering toward one end. "With ample forehead, and with spreading horns, Whose taper tops refulgent gold adorns." Pope: Homer's Iliad, 1. 350. II. Bot .: Terete (q. v.). taper-file, s. A file which is rectangular in sec tion, and whose thickne and width gradually decrease toward the point.