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[aum]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.
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   2. Equable; not easily ruffled or disturbed; calm; uniformly
      self-possessed; as, an even temper.
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   3. Parallel; on a level; reaching the same limit.
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            And shall lay thee even with the ground. --Luke xix.
                                                  44.
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   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.
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            To make the even truth in pleasure flow. --Shak.
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   5. Without an irregularity, flaw, or blemish; pure. "I know
      my life so even." --Shak.
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   6. Associate; fellow; of the same condition. [Obs.] "His even
      servant." --Wyclif (Matt. xviii. 29).
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   7. Not odd; capable of division by two without a remainder;
      -- said of numbers; as, 4 and 10 are even numbers.
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            Whether the number of the stars is even or odd.
                                                  --Jer. Taylor.
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   {On even ground}, with equal advantage.

   {On even keel} (Naut.), in a level or horizontal position.
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