\As\ ([a^]z), adv. & conj. [OE. as, als, alse, also, al swa,
AS. eal sw[=a], lit. all so; hence, quite so, quite as: cf.
G. als as, than, also so, then. See {Also}.]
1. Denoting equality or likeness in kind, degree, or manner;
   like; similar to; in the same manner with or in which; in
   accordance with; in proportion to; to the extent or degree
   in which or to which; equally; no less than; as, ye shall
   be as gods, knowing good and evil; you will reap as you
   sow; do as you are bidden.
         His spiritual attendants adjured him, as he loved
         his soul, to emancipate his brethren. --Macaulay.
Note: As is often preceded by one of the antecedent or
      correlative words such, same, so, or as, in expressing
      an equality or comparison; as, give us such things as
      you please, and so long as you please, or as long as
      you please; he is not so brave as Cato; she is as
      amiable as she is handsome; come as quickly as
      possible. ``Bees appear fortunately to prefer the same
      colors as we do.'' --Lubbock. As, in a preceding part
      of a sentence, has such or so to answer correlatively
      to it; as with the people, so with the priest.
2. In the idea, character, or condition of, -- limiting the
   view to certain attributes or relations; as, virtue
   considered as virtue; this actor will appear as Hamlet.
         The beggar is greater as a man, than is the man
         merely as a king.                     --Dewey.
3. While; during or at the same time that; when; as, he
   trembled as he spoke.
         As I return I will fetch off these justices. --Shak.
4. Because; since; it being the case that.
         As the population of Scotland had been generally
         trained to arms . . . they were not indifferently
         prepared.                             --Sir W.
                                               Scott.
   [See Synonym under {Because}.]
5. Expressing concession. (Often approaching though in
   meaning).
         We wish, however, to avail ourselves of the
         interest, transient as it may be, which this work
         has excited.                          --Macaulay.
6. That, introducing or expressing a result or consequence,
   after the correlatives so and such. [Obs.]
         I can place thee in such abject state, as help shall
         never find thee.                      --Rowe.
{So as}, so that. [Obs.]
         The relations are so uncertain as they require a
         great deal of examination.            --Bacon.
7. As if; as though. [Obs. or Poetic]
         He lies, as he his bliss did know.    --Waller.
8. For instance; by way of example; thus; -- used to
   introduce illustrative phrases, sentences, or citations.
9. Than. [Obs. & R.]
         The king was not more forward to bestow favors on
         them as they free to deal affronts to others their
         superiors.                            --Fuller.
10. Expressing a wish. [Obs.] ``As have,''
Note: i. e., may he have. --Chaucer.
{As . . as}. See {So . . as}, under {So}.
{As far as}, to the extent or degree. ``As far as can be
   ascertained.'' --Macaulay.
{As far forth as}, as far as. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
{As for}, or {As to}, in regard to; with respect to.
{As good as}, not less than; not falling short of.
{As good as one's word}, faithful to a promise.
{As if}, or {As though}, of the same kind, or in the same
   condition or manner, that it would be if.
{As it were} (as if it were), a qualifying phrase used to
   apologize for or to relieve some expression which might be
   regarded as inappropriate or incongruous; in a manner.
{As now}, just now. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
{As swythe}, as quickly as possible. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
{As well}, also; too; besides. --Addison.
{As well as}, equally with, no less than. ``I have
   understanding as well as you.'' --Job xii. 3.
{As yet}, until now; up to or at the present time; still;
   now.

\As\, n. [See {Ace}.]
An ace. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
{Ambes-as}, double aces.

\As\, n.; pl. {Asses}. [L. as. See {Ace}.]
1. A Roman weight, answering to the libra or pound, equal to
   nearly eleven ounces Troy weight. It was divided into
   twelve ounces.
2. A Roman copper coin, originally of a pound weight (12
   oz.); but reduced, after the first Punic war, to two
   ounces; in the second Punic war, to one ounce; and
   afterwards to half an ounce.