Each \Each\ ([=e]ch), a. or a. pron. [OE. eche, [ae]lc, elk, ilk, AS. [ae]lc; [=a] always + gel[=i]c like; akin to OD. iegelik, OHG. [=e]ogil[=i]h, MHG. iegel[=i]ch, G. jeglich. [root]209. See 3d Aye, Like, and cf. Either, Every, Ilk.]

1. Every one of the two or more individuals composing a number of objects, considered separately from the rest. It is used either with or without a following noun; as, each of you or each one of you. ``Each of the combatants.'' --Fielding.

Note: To each corresponds other. ``Let each esteem other better than himself.'' Each other, used elliptically for each the other. It is our duty to assist each other; that is, it is our duty, each to assist the other, each being in the nominative and other in the objective case.

It is a bad thing that men should hate each other; but it is far worse that they should contract the habit of cutting one another's throats without hatred. --Macaulay.

Let each His adamantine coat gird well. --Milton.

In each cheek appears a pretty dimple. --Shak.

Then draw we nearer day by day, Each to his brethren, all to God. --Keble.

The oak and the elm have each a distinct character. --Gilpin.

2. Every; -- sometimes used interchangeably with every. --Shak.

I know each lane and every alley green. --Milton.

In short each man's happiness depends upon himself. --Sterne.

Note: This use of each for every, though common in Scotland and in America, is now un-English. --Fitzed. Hall.

Syn: See Every.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)