'To size up' definitions:

Definition of 'To size up'

From: GCIDE
  • Size \Size\, v. t.
  • 1. To fix the standard of. "To size weights and measures." [R.] --Bacon. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To adjust or arrange according to size or bulk. Specifically: (a) (Mil.) To take the height of men, in order to place them in the ranks according to their stature. (b) (Mining) To sift, as pieces of ore or metal, in order to separate the finer from the coarser parts. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. To swell; to increase the bulk of. --Beau. & Fl. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. (Mech.) To bring or adjust anything exactly to a required dimension, as by cutting. [1913 Webster]
  • To size up, to estimate or ascertain the character and ability of. See 4th Size, 4. [Slang, U.S.] [1913 Webster]
  • We had to size up our fellow legislators. --The Century. [1913 Webster]