Emily Dickinson Lexicon

I-DEN'TI-FY, v.t. [L. idem, the same, and facio, to make.]

1. To ascertain or prove to be the same. The owner of the goods found them in the possession of the thief, and identified them.
2. To make to be the same; to unite or combine in such a manner as to make one interest, purpose or intention; to treat as having the same use; to consider as the same in effect. Paul has identified the two ordinances, circumcision and baptism, and thus, by demonstrating that they have one and the same use and meaning, he has exhibited to our view the very same seal of God's covenant. J. M. Mason. That treaty in fact identified Spain with the republican government of France, by a virtual acknowledgment of unqualified vassalage, and by specific stipulations of unconditional defense. British Declaration, Jan. 1805. Every precaution is taken to identify the interests of the people, and of the rulers. Ramsay.