even

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Evened p. pr. & vb. n. Evening 1. To make even or level; to level; to lay smooth. [ 1913 Webster ]

His temple Xerxes evened with the soil. Sir. W. Raleigh. [ 1913 Webster ]

It will even all inequalities Evelyn. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To equal. [ Obs. ] “To even him in valor.” Fuller. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To place in an equal state, as to obligation, or in a state in which nothing is due on either side; to balance, as accounts; to make quits; to make equal; as, to even the score. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. To set right; to complete. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. To act up to; to keep pace with. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. [ AS. efne. See Even, a., and cf. E'en. ] 1. In an equal or precisely similar manner; equally; precisely; just; likewise; as well. “Is it even so?” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Even so did these Gauls possess the coast. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Up to, or down to, an unusual measure or level; so much as; fully; quite. [ 1913 Webster ]

Thou wast a soldier
Even to Cato's wish. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Without . . . making us even sensible of the change. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. As might not be expected; -- serving to introduce what is unexpected or less expected. [ 1913 Webster ]

I have made several discoveries, which appear new, even to those who are versed in critical learning. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. At the very time; in the very case. [ 1913 Webster ]

I knew they were bad enough to please, even when I wrote them. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Even is sometimes used to emphasize a word or phrase. “I have debated even in my soul.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

By these presence, even the presence of Lord Mortimer. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To be equal. [ Obs. ] R. Carew. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ AS. efen. efn; akin to OS. eban, D. even, OHG. eban, G. efen, Icel. jafn, Dan. jevn, Sw. jämn, Goth. ibns. Cf. Anent, Ebb. ] 1. Level, smooth, or equal in surface; not rough; free from irregularities; hence uniform in rate of motion of action; as, even ground; an even speed; an even course of conduct. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Equable; not easily ruffled or disturbed; calm; uniformly self-possessed; as, an even temper. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Parallel; on a level; reaching the same limit. [ 1913 Webster ]

And shall lay thee even with the ground. Luke xix. 44. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Balanced; adjusted; fair; equitable; impartial; just to both sides; owing nothing on either side; -- said of accounts, bargains, or persons indebted; as, our accounts are even; an even bargain. [ 1913 Webster ]

To make the even truth in pleasure flow. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. Without an irregularity, flaw, or blemish; pure. “I know my life so even.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. Associate; fellow; of the same condition. [ Obs. ] “His even servant.” Wyclif (Matt. xviii. 29). [ 1913 Webster ]

7. Not odd; capable of division by two without a remainder; -- said of numbers; as, 4 and 10 are even numbers. [ 1913 Webster ]

Whether the number of the stars is even or odd. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

On even ground, with equal advantage. --
On even keel (Naut.), in a level or horizontal position. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. [ L. evenire. See Event. ] To happen. [ Obs. ] Hewyt. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. One who, or that which makes even. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. In vehicles, a swinging crossbar, to the ends of which other crossbars, or whiffletrees, are hung, to equalize the draught when two or three horses are used abreast. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Beginning of evening. “At the quiet evenfall.” Tennyson. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Equality. [ Obs. ] Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]