n. The state of being on an equality, as in rank or power. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Equalities [ L. aequalitas, fr. aequalis equal. See Equal. ] 1. The condition or quality of being equal; agreement in quantity or degree as compared; likeness in bulk, value, rank, properties, etc.; as, the equality of two bodies in length or thickness; an equality of rights. [ 1913 Webster ]

A footing of equality with nobles. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Sameness in state or continued course; evenness; uniformity; as, an equality of temper or constitution. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Evenness; uniformity; as, an equality of surface. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Math.) Exact agreement between two expressions or magnitudes with respect to quantity; -- denoted by the symbol =; thus, a = x signifies that a contains the same number and kind of units of measure that x does. [ 1913 Webster ]

Confessional equality. See under Confessional. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Inequalities [ L. inaequalitas. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. The quality of being unequal; difference, or lack of equality, in any respect; lack of uniformity; disproportion; unevenness; disparity; diversity; as, an inequality in size, stature, numbers, power, distances, motions, rank, property, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

There is so great an inequality in the length of our legs and arms as makes it impossible for us to walk on all four. Ray. [ 1913 Webster ]

Notwithstanding which inequality of number, it was resolved in a council of war to fight the Dutch fleet. Ludlow. [ 1913 Webster ]

Sympathy is rarely strong where there is a great inequality of condition. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Unevenness; lack of levelness; the alternate rising and falling of a surface; as, the inequalities of the surface of the earth, or of a marble slab, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

The country is cut into so many hills and inequalities as renders it defensible. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Variableness; changeableness; inconstancy; lack of smoothness or equability; deviation; unsteadiness, as of the weather, feelings, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

Inequality of air is ever an enemy to health. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Disproportion to any office or purpose; inadequacy; competency; as, the inequality of terrestrial things to the wants of a rational soul. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (Alg.) An expression consisting of two unequal quantities, with the sign of inequality (> or <) between them; as, the inequality 2 < 3, or 4 > 1. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. (Astron.) An irregularity, or a deviation, in the motion of a planet or satellite from its uniform mean motion; the amount of such deviation. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Qualities [ F. qualité, L. qualitas, fr. qualis how constituted, as; akin to E. which. See Which. ] 1. The condition of being of such and such a sort as distinguished from others; nature or character relatively considered, as of goods; character; sort; rank. [ 1913 Webster ]

We lived most joyful, obtaining acquaintance with many of the city not of the meanest quality. Bacon [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Special or temporary character; profession; occupation; assumed or asserted rank, part, or position. [ 1913 Webster ]

I made that inquiry in quality of an antiquary. Gray. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. That which makes, or helps to make, anything such as it is; anything belonging to a subject, or predicable of it; distinguishing property, characteristic, or attribute; peculiar power, capacity, or virtue; distinctive trait; as, the tones of a flute differ from those of a violin in quality; the great quality of a statesman. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Qualities, in metaphysics, are primary or secondary. Primary are those essential to the existence, and even the conception, of the thing, as of matter or spirit Secondary are those not essential to such a conception. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. An acquired trait; accomplishment; acquisition. [ 1913 Webster ]

He had those qualities of horsemanship, dancing, and fencing which accompany a good breeding. Clarendon. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. Superior birth or station; high rank; elevated character. “Persons of quality.” Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

Quality binding, a kind of worsted tape used in Scotland for binding carpets, and the like. --
The quality, those of high rank or station, as distinguished from the masses, or common people; the nobility; the gentry. [ 1913 Webster ]

I shall appear at the masquerade dressed up in my feathers, that the quality may see how pretty they will look in their traveling habits. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Property; attribute; nature; peculiarity; character; sort; rank; disposition; temper. [ 1913 Webster ]