like unto

like unto

1. (archaic, chiefly biblical, in adjective or adverb phrases that express resemblance) like, similar to
   • 1830, Joseph Smith, Book of Mormon, Ether:

     And they were small, and they were light upon the water, even like unto the lightness of a fowl upon the water; and they were built after a manner that they were exceeding tight, even that they would hold water like unto a dish; and the bottom thereof was tight like unto a dish; and the sides thereof was tight like unto a dish; and the ends thereof were peaked; and the top thereof was tight like unto a dish; and the length thereof was the length of a tree; and the door thereof, when it was shut, was tight like unto a dish.

   • 1843, Thomas Carlyle, Past and Present, Book 1, chapter 6, Aristocracy of Talent:

     In the Heavens, in the Earth, in the Waters, under the Earth, is none like unto thee.

   • 1843, Thomas Carlyle, Past and Present, Book 3, chapter 12, Reward:

     Truly, the first condition is indispensable, That Wisdom be there: but the second is like unto it, is properly one with it.

2. (obsolete, in adjectival prepositional phrases expressing conformity or conformableness) conforming to, conformable to
   • a. 1536, William Tyndale, Expositions and notes on sundry portions of the Holy Scriptures, published 1849, Exposition of Matthew:

     I think all things to be damage, or loss, for the excellent knowledge's sake of Christ Jesus my Lord...and to know also the fellowship of his passions, that I might be made like unto his death.

3. (obsolete, in adverbial prepositional phrases following verbs or participles of making, conforming, or thinking) like
   • a. 1536, William Tyndale, Expositions and notes on sundry portions of the Holy Scriptures, published 1849, Exposition of Matthew:

     Go to then, and desire God to print this profession in thine heart, and to increase it daily more and more; that thou mayest be full shapen like unto the image of Christ, in knowledge and love.