Equality and Liberty

" ... all men were created equal ..."

"Equal" means many different things. What did it mean to Jefferson?

one definition reads:

1. Having the same quantity, measure, or value as another. [Communism?]
   
2. Mathematics. Being the same or identical to in value.
   
3. 1. Having the same privileges, status, or rights: equal before the law. [Socialism?]
      
   2. Being the same for all members of a group: gave every player an equal chance to win. [Democratism?]
      
4. 1. Having the requisite qualities, such as strength or ability, for a task or situation: “Elizabeth found herself quite equal to the scene” (Jane Austen). [Republicanism?]
   2. Adequate in extent, amount, or degree.
5. Impartial; just; equitable. [Justice?]
   
6. Tranquil; equable. [Zen equality?]
   
7. Showing or having no variance in proportion, structure, or appearance. [product unit?]
   

n. One that is equal to another: These two models are equals in computing power.

tr.v., e·qualed or e·qualled, e·qual·ing or e·qual·ling, e·quals or e·quals.

1. To be equal to, especially in value.
2. To do, make, or produce something equal to: equaled the world record in the mile run.

Now consider Michelangelo ...