E"qual , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Equaled (?) or Equalled; p. pr. &
vb. n. Equaling or
Equalling.]
1. To be or become
equal to; to
have the same quantity, the same value, the same degree or rank, or the like, with; to be
commen&?;urate with.
On me whose all not
equals Edward's moiety.
Shak.
2. To make equal return to; to
recompense fully.
Who answered all her cares, and equaled all her love.
Dryden.
3. To make equal or
equal to; to
equalize; hence, to compare or
regard as equals; to put on equality.
He would not
equal the mind that he
found in himself to the infinite and incomprehensible.
Berkeley.
E"qual , n.
1. One not
inferior or superior to another; one having the same or a similar age, rank, station, office, talents, strength,
or other quality or condition; an equal quantity or number; as,
"If equals be taken from equals the remainders are equal."
Those who were once his
equals envy and defame him.
Addison. 2. State
of being equal; equality.
[Obs.]
Spenser.
E"qual (?), a. [L. aequalis, fr. aequus even, equal; akin to Skr. &?;ka, and perh. to L.
unus for older oinos one, E. one.]
1. Agreeing in quantity, size, quality, degree, value, etc.; having the same magnitude, the same value, the same degree, etc.; -- applied to number, degree, quantity, and intensity, and to any subject which admits of them; neither inferior nor superior, greater nor less, better nor worse; corresponding; alike; as, equal quantities of land, water, etc. ; houses of equal size; persons of equal stature or talents; commodities of equal value.
2. Bearing a suitable relation; of just proportion; having competent power, abilities, or means; adequate; as, he is not equal to the task.
The Scots
trusted not their own numbers as equal to fight with
the English.
Clarendon. It is not
permitted to me to make my
commendations equal to your merit.
Dryden. Whose voice an equal messenger
Conveyed thy meaning mild.
Emerson.
3. Not variable; equable; uniform; even; as, an equal movement. "An equal temper." Dryden.
4.
Evenly balanced; not unduly inclining to either side; characterized by fairness; unbiased; impartial; equitable; just.
Are
not my ways
equal?
Ezek. xviii.
29. Thee, O
Jove, no equal judge I deem.
Spenser. Nor think it equal to answer deliberate reason with sudden heat and noise.
Milton. 5. Of the same interest or concern; indifferent.
They who are
not disposed to receive them may let
them alone or reject them; it is
equal to me.
Cheyne. 6.
(Mus.) Intended
for voices of one kind only, either all male or all female; -- opposed to mixed. [R.]
7. (Math.) Exactly
agreeing with respect to quantity.
Equal temperament.
(Mus.) See Temperament.
Syn. -- Even; equable; uniform; adequate; proportionate; commensurate; fair; just; equitable.
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