As \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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)