Equal (?), a. [L. aequalis, fr. aequus even, equal; akin to Skr. &unr_;ka, and perh. to L. unus for older oinos one, E. one.] 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.
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2. Bearing a suitable relation; of just proportion; having competent power, abilities, or means; adequate; as, he is not equal to the task.
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The Scots trusted not their own numbers as equal to fight with the English. Clarendon.
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It is not permitted to me to make my commendations equal to your merit. Dryden.
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Whose voice an equal messenger
Conveyed thy meaning mild. Emerson.
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3. Not variable; equable; uniform; even; as, an equal movement. “An equal temper.” Dryden.
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4. Evenly balanced; not unduly inclining to either side; characterized by fairness; unbiased; impartial; equitable; just.
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Are not my ways equal? Ezek. xviii. 29.
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Thee, O Jove, no equal judge I deem. Spenser.
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Nor think it equal to answer deliberate reason with sudden heat and noise. Milton.
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5. Of the same interest or concern; indifferent.
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They who are not disposed to receive them may let them alone or reject them; it is equal to me. Cheyne.
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6. (Mus.) Intended for voices of one kind only, either all male or all female; -- opposed to mixed. [R.]
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7. (Math.) Exactly agreeing with respect to quantity.
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Equal temperament. (Mus.) See Temperament.

Syn. -- Even; equable; uniform; adequate; proportionate; commensurate; fair; just; equitable.
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Equal, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Equaled (?) or Equalled; p. pr. & vb. n. Equaling or Equalling.] 1. 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&unr_;urate with.
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On me whose all not equals Edward's moiety. Shak.
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2. To make equal return to; to recompense fully.
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Who answered all her cares, and equaled all her love. Dryden.
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3. To make equal or equal to; to equalize; hence, to compare or regard as equals; to put on equality.
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He would not equal the mind that he found in himself to the infinite and incomprehensible. Berkeley.
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