Equal — Defs

01 a. Agreeing in quantity, size, quality, degree, value, etc.; having the same magnitude, the same value, the same degree, etc.; -- applied to n…

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.
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.
Intended for voices of one kind only, either all male or all female; -- opposed to mixed.(Mus.) [R.]
7.
Exactly agreeing with respect to quantity.(Math.)

Phrases & compounds

Equal temperament — See Temperament.

Syn. Even; equable; uniform; adequate; proportionate; commensurate; fair; just; equitable.

02 n. One not inferior or superior to another; one having the same or a similar age, rank, station, office, talents, strength, or other quality o…

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.]

03 v. t. 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.

imp. & p. p. Equaled; p. pr. & vb. n. Equaling

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.