Dictionary entry

Atone

Webster's Dictionary 1913

A‐tone″ (ȧ‐tōn″), v. i. [imp. & p. p.Atoned (�); p. pr. & vb. n.Atoning.] [From at one,, i.e., to be, or cause to be, at one. See At one.] 1. To agree; to be in accordance; to accord.

He and Aufidius can no more atone

Than violentest contrariety.

Shak.

2. To stand as an equivalent; to make reparation, compensation, or amends, for an offense or a crime.

The murderer fell, and blood atoned for blood.

Pope.

The ministry not atoning for their former conduct by any wise or popular measure.

Junius.