An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1a) A succession or progression of steps or degrees.

1b) A standard of measurement or estimation; point of reference by which to gauge or rate.

2. To reduce or increase according to a common proportion (often followed by down or up).

Etymology (EN): M.E., from L. scalae “ladder, stairs.”

Etymology (PE): Marpel, literally “measuring stick, measuring step,” on the model of Ger. Maßstab
from Mass “measure” + Stab “stick, bar, pole, baton.” The first element from
Mod./Mid.Pers. mar “measure, count,” from Av.
mar- “to count, remember;” Skt.
smr, smarati “to remember, he remembers;” L. memor, memoria; Gk.
mermera “care,” martyr “witness.” The second element pel “stick, a bit of wood;” pel can also be interpreted as the contraction of pellé “staircase, ladder.”