Equal | Webster's Dictionary (1865)

E'qual, a.

adjective

a. [Lat. æqualis, from æquus, even, equal; It. eguale, uguale, Sp. & Pg. igual, Pr. equal, engal, Fr. égal.]

Sense 1. Not disagreeing in quantity, degree, value, or the like; having the same magnitude, dimensions, the same value, the same degree, or the like; neither inferior nor superior, greater nor less, better nor worse; corresponding; alike; as, equal quantities of land, &c.; houses of equal size; persons of equal stature or talents; commodities of equal value.

Sense 2. Bearing a suitable relation; of just proportion; having competent power, abilities, or means; adequate; fit; 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.

Sense 3. Not variable; equable; uniform; even; as, an equal mind. “An equal temper.” Dryden.

Sense 4. Evenly balanced; not unduly inclining to either side; dictated or characterized by fairness; unbiased; just; equitable.

Thee, O Jove, no equal judge I deem. Spencer.

Nor think it equal to answer deliberate reason with sudden heat and noise. Milton.

Sense 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.

Sense 6. (Mus.) Intended for voices of one kind only;—said of a composition in performing which the voices are either all male or all female. [Rare.]

Synonyms—Even; equable; uniform; adequate; proportionate; commensurate; fair; just; equitable.

Ē'qual, n.

noun

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.

Those who were once his equals envy and defame him. Addison.

Sense 2. State of being equal; equality. [Obs.] Spenser.

Ē'qual, v. t.

verbtransitive

v. t. [imp. & p. p. EQUALED, or EQUALLED; p. pr. & vb. n. EQUALING, or EQUAL-LING.] 1. To be or become equal to; to have the same quantity, or value, or degree, or rank, or the like, with; to be commensurate with. One whose all not equals Edward's moiety. Shak.

To make equal return to; to recompense fully. He answered all her cares, and equaled all her love. Dryden.
To make equal or equal to; to cause to be commensurate with or unsurpassed by; to equalize; hence, to compare or regard as equals.