\Em"u*lous\, a. [L. aemulus. See {Emulate}.]
1. Ambitiously desirous to equal or even to excel another;
   eager to emulate or vie with another; desirous of like
   excellence with another; -- with of; as, emulous of
   another's example or virtues.
2. Vying with; rivaling; hence, contentious, envious.
   ``Emulous Carthage.'' --B. Jonson.
         Emulous missions 'mongst the gods.    --Shak.