Märk1, n.
Märk, n. [A.-S. mearc, mark, sign, limit, boundary, M. H. Ger. marc, N. H. Ger. marke, L. Ger. & Icel. merk, D. merk, Dan. & Sw. märke, O. Fr. merc, N. Fr. marque.] 1. A visible sign made or left upon any thing; a line, point, stamp, figure, or the like, drawn or impressed, so as to attract the attention and convey some information or intimation; a token; a trace. The Lord set a mark upon Cain. Gen. iv. 15. 2. An evidence of presence or agency; a significative token; a symptom; a trace; specifically, a permanent impression of one's activity or character; as, to make one's mark. If it yet seems as if some one infallible characteristic of genuine magnanimity were wanting, we should at once name unalterable modesty as that mark. I. Taylor. There are scarce any marks left of a subterraneous fire. Addison. The confusion of tongues was a mark of separation. Bacon.
- Distinguished pre-eminence; as, a man of mark.
- Specifically, a character made, instead of signature, by one who can not write.
- That toward which a missile is directed; a thing aimed at; what one seeks to hit or reach.
What'er the motive, pleasure is the mark. Young. The laws Stand like the forfeits in a barber's shop, As much for mock as mark. Shak. France was a fairer mark to shoot at than Ireland. Davies. 6. Badge or sign of honor, rank, or official station. It remains That, in the official marks invested, you Anon do meet the Senate. Shak.
- A license of reprisals. See MARQUE.
- (Logic.) A characteristic or essential attribute; a differential.
- See MARC.
Syn.—Impress; impression; stamp; print; trace; vestige; track; characteristic; evidence; proof; token; badge; indication; symptom.