Part 3880

<hw>E"qua*ble*ness</hw>, <tt>n.</tt> <def>Quality or state of being equable.</def>

<h1>Equably</h1> <Xpage=504>

<hw>E"qua*bly</hw>, <tt>adv.</tt> <def>In an equable manner.</def>

<h1>Equal</h1> <Xpage=504>

<hw>E"qual</hw> <tt>(?)</tt>, <tt>a.</tt> <ety>[L. <ets>aequalis</ets>, fr. <ets>aequus</ets> even, equal; akin to Skr. <ets><?/ka</ets>, and perh. to L. <ets>unus</ets> for older <ets>oinos</ets> one, E. <ets>one</ets>.]</ety>

<p><b>1.</b> <def>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>as, <ex>equal</ex> quantities of land, water, etc.</as> ; houses of <i>equal</i> size; persons of <i>equal</i> stature or talents; commodities of <i>equal</i> value.</def>

<p><b>2.</b> <def>Bearing a suitable relation; of just proportion; having competent power, abilities, or means; adequate; <as>as, he is not <ex>equal</ex> to the task</as>.</def>

<blockquote>The Scots trusted not their own numbers as <b>equal</b> to fight with the English. <i>Clarendon.</i></blockquote>

<blockquote>It is not permitted to me to make my commendations <b>equal</b> to your merit. <i>Dryden.</i></blockquote>

<blockquote>Whose voice an <b>equal</b> messenger Conveyed thy meaning mild. <i>Emerson.</i></blockquote>

<p><b>3.</b> <def>Not variable; equable; uniform; even; <as>as, an <ex>equal</ex> movement</as>.</def> "An <i>equal</i> temper."

<i>Dryden.</i>

<p><b>4.</b> <def>Evenly balanced; not unduly inclining to either side; characterized by fairness; unbiased; impartial; equitable; just.</def>

<blockquote>Are not my ways <b>equal</b>? <i>Ezek. xviii. 29.</i></blockquote>

<blockquote>Thee, O Jove, no <b>equal</b> judge I deem. <i>Spenser.</i></blockquote>

<blockquote>Nor think it <b>equal</b> to answer deliberate reason with sudden heat and noise. <i>Milton.</i></blockquote>

<p><b>5.</b> <def>Of the same interest or concern; indifferent.</def>

<blockquote>They who are not disposed to receive them may let them alone or reject them; it is <b>equal</b> to me. <i>Cheyne.</i></blockquote>

<p><b>6.</b> <fld>(Mus.)</fld> <def>Intended for voices of one kind only, either all male or all female; -- opposed to <i>mixed</i>.</def> <mark>[R.]</mark>

<p><b>7.</b> <fld>(Math.)</fld> <def>Exactly agreeing with respect to quantity.</def>

<cs><col>Equal temperament</col>. <fld>(Mus.)</fld> <cd>See <er>Temperament</er>.</cd></cs>

<syn>Syn. -- Even; equable; uniform; adequate; proportionate; commensurate; fair; just; equitable.</syn>

<h1>Equal</h1> <Xpage=504>

<hw>E"qual</hw>, <tt>n.</tt>

<p><b>1.</b> <def>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>as, "If <ex>equals</ex> be taken from <ex>equals</ex> the remainders are equal</as>."</def>

<blockquote>Those who were once his <b>equals</b> envy and defame him. <i>Addison.</i></blockquote>

<p><b>2.</b> <def>State of being equal; equality.</def> <mark>[Obs.]</mark>

<i>Spenser.</i>