A visible line made by drawing one substance on another; as a mark made by chalk or charcoal, or a pen.

A line, groove or depression made by stamping or cutting; an incision; a channel or impression; as the mark of a chisel, of a stamp, of a rod or whip; the mark of the finger or foot.

Any note or sign of distinction. The Lord set a mark upon Cain. Genesis 4:15.

Any visible effect of force or agency. There are scarce any marks left of a subterraneous fire.

Any apparent or intelligible effect; proof. The confusion of tongues was a mark of separation.

Notice taken. The laws . Stand like the forfeits in a barber’s shop, As much for mock as mark.

Any thing to which a missile weapon may be directed. France was a fairer mark to shoot at than Ireland.

Any object used as a guide, or to which the mind may be directed. The dome of the State house in Boston is a good mark for seamen.

Any thing visible by which knowledge of something may be obtained; indication; as the marks of age in a horse. Civility is a mark of politeness or respect. Levity is a mark of weakness.

A character made by a person who cannot write his name, and intended as a substitute for it.

A weight of certain commodities, but particularly of gold and silver, used in several states of Europe; in Great Britain, a money of account, equal to thirteen shillings and four pence. In some countries, it is a coin.

A license of reprisals.

To draw or make a visible line or character with any substance; as, to mark with chalk or with compasses.

To stamp; to impress; to make a visible impression, figure or indenture; as, to mark a sheep with a brand.

To make an incision; to lop off a part; to make any sign of distinction; as, to mark sheep or cattle by cuts in their ears.

To form a name or the initials of a name for distinction; as, to mark cloth; to mark a handkerchief.

To notice; to take particular observation of. Mark them who cause divisions and offenses. Romans 16:17. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace. Psalm 37:37.

To heed; to regard. To mark out, to notify, as by a mark; to point out; to designate. The ringleaders were marked out for seizure and punishment.

To note; to observe critically; to take particular notice; to remark. Mark, I pray you, and see how this man seeketh mischief. 7 Kings 20:7.

Letters of marque are letters of reprisal; a license or extraordinary commission granted by a sovereign of one state to his subjects, to make reprisals at sea on the subjects of another, under pretense of indemnification for injuries received. Marque is said to be from the same root as marches, limits, frontiers, and literally to denote a license to pass the limits of a jurisdiction on land, for the purpose of obtaining satisfaction for theft by seizing the property of the subjects of a foreign nation. I can give no better account of the origin of this word.