- To make one's mark
- Mark Mark, n. [OE. marke, merke, AS. mearc; akin to D. merk,
MHG. marc, G. marke, Icel. mark, Dan. m[ae]rke; cf. Lith.
margas party-colored. [root]106, 273. Cf. {Remark}.]
1. 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.
[1913 Webster]
The Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him. --Gen. iv. 15. [1913 Webster]
2. Specifically: (a) A character or device put on an article of merchandise by the maker to show by whom it was made; a trade-mark. (b) A character (usually a cross) made as a substitute for a signature by one who can not write. [1913 Webster]
The mark of the artisan is found upon the most ancient fabrics that have come to light. --Knight. [1913 Webster]
3. A fixed object serving for guidance, as of a ship, a traveler, a surveyor, etc.; as, a seamark, a landmark. [1913 Webster]
4. 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. [1913 Webster]
I have some marks of yours upon my pate. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
5. An evidence of presence, agency, or influence; a significative token; a symptom; a trace; specifically, a permanent impression of one's activity or character. [1913 Webster]
The confusion of tongues was a mark of separation. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]
6. That toward which a missile is directed; a thing aimed at; what one seeks to hit or reach. [1913 Webster]
France was a fairer mark to shoot at than Ireland. --Davies. [1913 Webster]
Whate'er the motive, pleasure is the mark. --Young. [1913 Webster]
7. Attention, regard, or respect. [1913 Webster]
As much in mock as mark. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
8. Limit or standard of action or fact; as, to be within the mark; to come up to the mark. [1913 Webster]
9. Badge or sign of honor, rank, or official station. [1913 Webster]
In the official marks invested, you Anon do meet the Senate. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
10. Pre["e]minence; high position; as, patricians of mark; a fellow of no mark. [1913 Webster]
11. (Logic) A characteristic or essential attribute; a differential. [1913 Webster]
12. A number or other character used in registering; as, examination marks; a mark for tardiness. [1913 Webster]
13. Image; likeness; hence, those formed in one's image; children; descendants. [Obs.] ``All the mark of Adam.'' --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
14. (Naut.) 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.'' [1913 Webster]
{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. [1913 Webster]
Syn: Impress; impression; stamp; print; trace; vestige; track; characteristic; evidence; proof; token; badge; indication; symptom. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
