E'QUAL, a. [L. oegualis, from oequus, equal, even, oeguo, to equal, perhaps Gr. similar.]

1. Having the same magnitude or dimensions; being of the same bulk or extent; as, an equal quantity of land; a house of equal size; two persons of equal bulk; an equal line or angle.
2. Having the same value; as, two commodities of equal price or worth.
3. Having the same qualities or condition; as, two men of equal rank or excellence; two bodies of equal hardness or softness.
4. Having the same degree; as, two motions of equal velocity.
5. Even; uniform; not variable; as, an equal temper or mind. Ye say, the way of the Lord is not equal. – Ezek. xvi.
6. Being in just proportion; as, my commendation is not equal to his merit.
7. Impartial; neutral; not biased. Equal and unconcerned, I look on all. – Dryden.
8. Indifferent; of the same interest or concern. He may receive them or not, it is equal to me.
9. Just; equitable; giving the same or similar rights or advantages. The terms and conditions of the contract are equal.
10. Being on the same terms; enjoying the same or similar benefits. They made the married, orphans, widows, yea and the aged also, equal in spoils with themselves. Maccabees.
11. Adequate; having competent power, ability or means. The ship is not equal to her antagonist. The army was not equal to the contest. We are not equal to the undertaking.

One not inferior or superior to another; having the same or a similar age, rank, station, office, talents, strength, &c. Those who were once his equals, envy and defame him. Addison. It was thou, a man my equal, my guide. Ps. iv. Gal. i.

1. To make equal; to make one thing of the same quantity, dimensions or quality as another.
2. To rise to the same state, rank or estimation with another: to become equal to. Few officers can expect to equal Washington in fame.
3. To be equal to. One whose all not equals Edward's moiety. Shak.
4. To make equivalent to; to recompense fully; to answer, in full proportion. He answer'd all her cares, and equal'd all her love. Dryden.
5. To be of like excellence or beauty. The gold and the crystal can not equal it. Job xxviii.

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. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. State of being equal; equality.
   
   
   [Obs.] Spenser.
6. To make equal return to; to recompense fully.
   
   

   Who answered all her cares, and equaled all her love. Dryden.

7. Not variable; equable; uniform; even; as, an equal movement.
   
   
   "An equal temper." Dryden.
8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Intended for voices of one kind only, either all male or all female; -- opposed to mixed.
    
    
    [R.]
12. Exactly agreeing with respect to quantity.
    
    

    Equal temperament. (Mus.) See Temperament.

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