E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Calibre [kal’i-ber].
A mind of no calibre: of no capacity. A mind of great calibre: of large capacity. Calibre is the bore of a gun, and, figuratively, the bore or compass of one’s intelligence.
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“The enemy had generally new arms … of uniform caliber.”—Grant: Memoirs, vol. i. chap. xxxix. p. 572.
“We measure men’s calibre by the broadest circle of achievements.”—Chapin: Lessons of Faith, p. 16.
