Dou″ble, n. 1. Twice as much; twice the number, sum, quantity, length, value, and the like.
If the thief be found, let him pay double. Ex. xxii. 7.
2. Among compositors, a doublet (see Doublet, 2.); among pressmen, a sheet that is twice pulled, and blurred.
3. That which is doubled over or together; a doubling; a plait; a fold.
Rolled up in sevenfold double
Of plagues. Marston.
4. A turn or circuit in running to escape pursues; hence, a trick; a shift; an artifice.
These men are too well acquainted with the chase to be flung off by any false steps or doubles. Addison.
5. Something precisely equal or counterpart to another; a counterpart. Hence, a wraith.
My charming friend... has, I am almost sure, a double, who preaches his afternoon sermons for him. Atlantic Monthly.
6. A player or singer who prepares to take the part of another player in his absence; a substitute.
7. Double beer; strong beer.
8. (Eccl.) A feast in which the antiphon is doubled, hat is, said twice, before and after the Psalms, instead of only half being said, as in simple feasts. Shipley.
9. (Lawn Tennis) A game between two pairs of players; as, a first prize for doubles.
10. (Mus.) An old term for a variation, as in Bach's Suites.