RI'VAL, n. [L. rivalis; Heb. to contend, to strive. See Raffle.] 1. One who is in pursuit of the same object as another; one striving to reach or obtain something which another is attempting to obtain, and which one only can possess; a competitor; as rivals in love; rivals for a crown. Love will not patiently bear a rival.2. One striving to equal or exceed another in excellence; as two rivals in eloquence.3. An antagonist; a competitor in any pursuit or strife.RI'VAL, a. Having the same pretensions or claims; standing in competition for superiority; as rival lovers; rival claims or pretensions. Equal in years and rival in renown.RI'VAL, v.t. 1. To stand in competition with; to strive to gain the object which another is contending for; as, to rival one in love.2. To strive to equal or excel; to emulate.To rival thunder in its rapid course.RI'VAL, v.i. To be competitors. [Not in use.]
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