[f. COMPARE v.1; not improbably arising from a false analysis of such phrases as ‘without compare’ (see prec.)] Comparison. Chiefly in beyond (past) compare.
1589. Greene, Poems, Wks. (1861), 290. What need compare where sweet exceeds compare? Ibid. (a. 1592), Looking Glasse, 122. Can any goddess make compare with me?
c. 1600. Shaks., Sonn., xxi. Making a coopelment of proud compare With Sunne and Moone, with earth and seas rich gems.
1604. Marlowe, etc., Faust., Wks. (ed. Rtldg.), 98/2. Such a queen, Whose heavenly beauty passeth all compare.
1621. Lady M. Wroth, Urania, 268. Excellent discourse, wit beyond compare.
1654. Evelyn, Mem. (1857), I. 320. Nor are its churches anything considerable in compare to Oxford.
1667. Milton, P. L., VI. 705. That all may know … thy Power above compare.
1692. Beverley, Disc. Dr. Crisp, 19. By a close and universal Compare of Scripture.
1711. Hearne, Collect. (Oxf. Hist. Soc.), III. 176. His Piety and Sanctity was beyond Compare.
1815. Scribbleomania, 15. Hunger’s a sauce, sir, that beggars compare.
1880. Miss Broughton, Sec. Th., I. vi. Humbled, diminished past compare.
