from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Square \Square\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Squared} (skw[^a]rd); p.
pr. & vb. n. {Squaring}.] [Cf. OF. escarrer, esquarrer. See
{Square}, n.]
1. To form with four equal sides and four right angles.
--Spenser.
[1913 Webster]
2. To form with right angles and straight lines, or flat
surfaces; as, to square masons' work.
[1913 Webster]
3. To compare with, or reduce to, any given measure or
standard. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
4. To adjust; to regulate; to mold; to shape; to fit; as, to
square our actions by the opinions of others.
[1913 Webster]
Square my trial
To my proportioned strength. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
5. To make even, so as to leave no remainder or difference;
to balance; as, to square accounts.
[1913 Webster]
6. (Math.) To multiply by itself; as, to square a number or a
quantity.
[1913 Webster]
7. (Astrol.) To hold a quartile position respecting.
[1913 Webster]
The icy Goat and Crab that square the Scales.
--Creech.
[1913 Webster]
8. (Naut.) To place at right angles with the keel; as, to
square the yards.
[1913 Webster]
{To square one's shoulders}, to raise the shoulders so as to
give them a square appearance, -- a movement expressing
contempt or dislike. --Sir W. Scott.
{To square the circle} (Math.), to determine the exact
contents of a circle in square measure. The solution of
this famous problem is now generally admitted to be
impossible.
[1913 Webster]