M`ARK, n. [L. mercor, the primary sense of which is to go, to pass; Gr. to pass; Eng. fair, and fare.]

1. A visible line made by drawing one substance on another; as, a mark made by chalk or charcoal, or a pen.
2. A line, groove, or depression made by stamping or cutting; an incision; a channel or impression; as, the mark of a chisel, of a stamp, of a rod or whip; the mark of the finger or foot.
3. Any note or sign of distinction. The Lord set a mark upon Cain. Gen. iv.
4. Any visible effect of force or agency. There are scarce any marks left of a subterraneous fire. Addison.
5. Any apparent or intelligible effect; proof; evidence. The confusion of tongues was a mark of separation. Bacon.
6. Notice taken. The laws / Stand like the forfeits in a barber's shop, / As much for mock as mark. Shak.
7. Any thing to which a missile weapon may be directed. France was a fairer mark to shoot at than Ireland. Davies.
8. Any object used as a guide, or to which the mind may be directed. The dome of the State-house in Boston is a good mark for seamen.
9. Any thing visible by which knowledge of something may be obtained; indication; as, the marks of age in a horse. Civility is a mark of politeness or respect. Levity is a mark of weakness.
10. A character made by a person who can not write his name, and intended as a substitute for it.
11. [Fr. marc, Sp. marco.] A weight of certain commodities, but particularly of gold and silver, used in several states of Europe; in Great Britain, a money of account, equal to thirteen shillings and four-pence. In some countries it is a coin.
12. A license of reprisals. [See Marque.]

To note; to observe critically; to take particular notice; to remark. Mark I pray you, and see how this man seeketh mischief 1 Kings xx.

1. To draw or make a visible line or character with any substance; as, to mark with chalk or with compasses.
2. To stamp; to impress; to make a visible impression, figure or indenture; as, to mark a sheep with a brand.
3. To make an incision; to lop off a part; to make any sign of distinction; as, to mark sheep or cattle by cuts in their ears.
4. To form a name or the initials of a name for distinction; as, to mark cloth; to mark a handkerchief.
5. To notice; to take particular observation of. Mark them who cause divisions and offenses. Rom. xvi. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace. Ps. xxxvii.
6. To heed; to regard. Smith. To mark out, to notify, as by a mark; to point out; to designate. The ringleaders were marked out for seizure and punishment.

1. A license of reprisals. See Marque.
2. An old weight and coin. See Marc.
   
   
   "Lend me a mark." Chaucer.
3. A visible sign or impression made or left upon anything; esp., 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, lest any finding him should kill him. Gen. iv. 15.

4. To put a mark upon] to affix a significant mark to; to make recognizable by a mark; as, to mark a box or bale of merchandise; to mark clothing.
5. To take particular notice; to observe critically; to note; to remark.
   
   

   Mark, I pray you, and see how this man seeketh mischief. 1 Kings xx. 7.

6. The unit of monetary account of the German Empire, equal to 23.8 cents of United States money; the equivalent of one hundred pfennigs. Also, a silver coin of this value.
7. A character or device put on an article of merchandise by the maker to show by whom it was made; a trade-mark.
   
   
   (b)
8. To be a mark upon; to designate; to indicate; -- used literally and figuratively; as, this monument marks the spot where Wolfe died; his courage and energy marked him for a leader.
9. A fixed object serving for guidance, as of a ship, a traveler, a surveyor, etc.; as, a seamark, a landmark.
10. To leave a trace, scratch, scar, or other mark, upon, or any evidence of action; as, a pencil marks paper; his hobnails marked the floor.
11. A trace, dot, line, imprint, or discoloration, although not regarded as a token or sign; a scratch, scar, stain, etc.; as, this pencil makes a fine mark.
    
    

    I have some marks of yours upon my pate. Shak.

12. To keep account of; to enumerate and register; as, to mark the points in a game of billiards or cards.
13. An evidence of presence, agency, or influence; a significative token; a symptom; a trace; specifically, a permanent impression of one's activity or character.
    
    

    The confusion of tongues was a mark of separation. Bacon.

14. To notice or observe; to give attention to; to take note of; to remark; to heed; to regard.
    
    
    "Mark the perfect man." Ps. xxxvii. 37.

    To mark out. (a) To designate, as by a mark; to select; as, the ringleaders were marked out for punishment. (b) To obliterate or cancel with a mark; as, to mark out an item in an account. -- To mark time (Mil.), to keep the time of a marching step by moving the legs alternately without advancing.

    Syn. -- To note; remark; notice; observe; regard; heed; show; evince; indicate; point out; betoken; denote; characterize; stamp; imprint; impress; brand.

15. That toward which a missile is directed; a thing aimed at; what one seeks to hit or reach.
    
    

    France was a fairer mark to shoot at than Ireland. Davies.

    Whate'er the motive, pleasure is the mark. Young.

16. Attention, regard, or respect.
    
    

    As much in mock as mark. Shak.

17. Limit or standard of action or fact; as, to be within the mark; to come up to the mark.
18. Badge or sign of honor, rank, or official station.
    
    

    In the official marks invested, you
    Anon do meet the Senate. Shak.

19. Preëminence; high position; as, patricians of mark; a fellow of no mark.
20. A characteristic or essential attribute; a differential.
21. A number or other character used in registering; as, examination marks; a mark for tardiness.
22. Image; likeness; hence, those formed in one's image; children; descendants.
    
    
    [Obs.] "All the mark of Adam." Chaucer.
23. One of the bits of leather or colored bunting which are placed upon a sounding line at intervals of from two to five fathoms. The unmarked fathoms are called "deeps."
    
    

    A man of mark, a conspicuous or eminent man. -- To make one's mark. (a) To sign, as a letter or other writing, by making a cross or other mark. (b) To make a distinct or lasting impression on the public mind, or on affairs; to gain distinction.

    Syn. -- Impress; impression; stamp; print; trace; vestige; track; characteristic; evidence; proof; token; badge; indication; symptom.