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Origin documented
“Short measure”
What it means
Being cheated of what you are owed.
Where it comes from
Weights and measures inspectors tested traders’ equipment against sealed standards, and short measure was prosecuted vigorously. Coal sacks, bread loaves and beer pots were all routinely checked.
How sure are we?
Literal rather than metaphorical in origin. Local assize records are full of prosecutions, and the phrase moved into general use as the offence became a byword for petty dishonesty.