Not more distinguished by her purple vest, Than by
the charming features of her face. --Dryden.
Milton has distinguished the sweetbrier and the
eglantine. --Nares.
2. To separate by definition of terms or logical division of
a subject with regard to difference; as, to distinguish
sounds into high and low.
Moses distinguished the causes of the flood into
those that belong to the heavens, and those that
belong to the earth. --T. Burnet.
3. To recognize or discern by marks, signs, or characteristic
quality or qualities; to know and discriminate (anything)
from other things with which it might be confounded; as,
to distinguish the sound of a drum.
We are enabled to distinguish good from evil, as
well as truth from falsehood. --Watts.
Nor more can you distinguish of a man, Than of his
outward show. --Shak.
4. To constitute a difference; to make to differ.
Who distinguisheth thee? --1 Cor. iv.
7. (Douay
version).
5. To separate from others by a mark of honor; to make
eminent or known; to confer distinction upon; -- with by
or for.``To distinguish themselves by means never tried
before.'' --Johnson.
Syn: To mark; discriminate; differentiate; characterize;
discern; perceive; signalize; honor; glorify.
The distinguishing doctrines of our holy religion.
--Locke.
{Distinguishing pennant} (Naut.), a special pennant by which
any particular vessel in a fleet is recognized and
signaled. --Simmonds.