to make ones 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.
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            The Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him
            should kill him.                      --Gen. iv. 15.
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   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.
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                The mark of the artisan is found upon the most
                ancient fabrics that have come to light.
                                                  --Knight.
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   3. A fixed object serving for guidance, as of a ship, a
      traveler, a surveyor, etc.; as, a seamark, a landmark.
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   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.
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            I have some marks of yours upon my pate. --Shak.
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   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.
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            The confusion of tongues was a mark of separation.
                                                  --Bacon.
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   6. That toward which a missile is directed; a thing aimed at;
      what one seeks to hit or reach.
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            France was a fairer mark to shoot at than Ireland.
                                                  --Davies.
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            Whate'er the motive, pleasure is the mark. --Young.
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   7. Attention, regard, or respect.
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            As much in mock as mark.              --Shak.
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   8. Limit or standard of action or fact; as, to be within the
      mark; to come up to the mark.
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   9. Badge or sign of honor, rank, or official station.
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            In the official marks invested, you
            Anon do meet the Senate.              --Shak.
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   10. Preeminence; high position; as, patricians of mark; a
       fellow of no mark.
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   11. (Logic) A characteristic or essential attribute; a
       differential.
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   12. A number or other character used in registering; as,
       examination marks; a mark for tardiness.
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   13. Image; likeness; hence, those formed in one's image;
       children; descendants. [Obs.] "All the mark of Adam."
       --Chaucer.
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   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."
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   {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.
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   Syn: Impress; impression; stamp; print; trace; vestige;
        track; characteristic; evidence; proof; token; badge;
        indication; symptom.
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