Definition of "emulous" [em•u•lous]

• Eager or ambitious to equal or surpass another. (adjective)
• Characterized or prompted by a spirit of rivalry. (adjective)
• Obsolete Covetous of power or honor; envious. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Johnson in terms emulous of the great doctor's orotundity and ronderosity."
• "But by their offence, salvation is come to the Gentiles, that they may be emulous of them . . ."
• "“Summon him to our presence,” said the Lord Abbot; and with an obedient start the two attendant monks went off with emulous alertness."