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.
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, 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.
