Most all multi-meters have an ohm setting.
The V Omega sign (Omega being the upside down horse-show sign) is the ohm scale on a multi-meter, here is an example. The omega scale can be seen on the lower left side of the dial at the 6-oclock through 8:30 position on the selector dial. On this particular meter there are 5 different settings for reading resistance.
Here's another image of the same unit, this is a digital unit, mine happens to be a indicator dial with sweeping hand.
Since there is no electricity in the wire you are testing, there is no danger of blowing the meter. Set to the Ohm setting on your dial, touch a lead to each end of your wire, see what happens. In any case, if you are using the old carbon wire, your reliability and running will be enhanced with the stainless splitfire Tim noted. I obviously agree, having just spent the $112 bucks!
regards,
Paul