1. Comparison. [Archaic] His mighty champion, strong beyond compare. Milton. Their small galleys may not hold compare With our tall ships. Waller.
2. Illustration by comprison; simile. [Obs.] Rhymes full of protest, of oath, and big compare. Shak. Beyond compare. See Beyond comparison, under Comparison.
COMPARE Com*pare", v. t. Etym: [L. comparare to prepare, procure; com- + parare. See Prepare, Parade.]
Defn: To get; to procure; to obtain; to acquire [Obs.]
To fill his bags, and richesse to compare. Spenser.
COMPARER
Com*par"er, n.
Defn: One who compares.
COMPARISON Com*par"i*son ( or ), n. Etym: [F. comparaison, L. comparatio. See 1st Compare.]
1. The act of comparing; an examination of two or more objects with the view of discovering the resemblances or differences; relative estimate. As sharp legal practitioners, no class of human beings can bear comparison with them. Macaulay. The miracles of our Lord and those of the Old Testament afford many interesting points of comparison. Trench.
2. The state of being compared; a relative estimate; also, a state, quality, or relation, admitting of being compared; as, to bring a thing into comparison with another; there is no comparison between them.
3. That to which, or with which, a thing is compared, as being equal or like; illustration; similitude. Whereto shall we liken the kingdom of God Or with what comparison shall we compare it Mark iv. 30.