Measuring stick (5)

I think it could be either:

ruler

gauge

'measuring stick' is the definition.
(ruler is a kind of measuring stick)

This is all the clue.

(Other definitions for ruler that I've seen before include "Person in authority" , "Straight edge; monarch" , "Person in charge of country" , "Potentate" , "Stationery item" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard, The Daily Mail, The Times, The Mirror, The Irish Times, The Telegraph, The Independent, the Newsday and the Universal.

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