- On even ground
- Even E"ven, a. [AS. efen. efn; akin to OS. eban, D. even, OHG.
eban, G. efen, Icel. jafn, Dan. jevn, Sw. j["a]mn, 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]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
