E"mu (?), n. [Cf. Pg. ema ostrich, F. émou, émeu, emu.] (Zoöl.) A large Australian bird, of two species (Dromaius Novæ-Hollandiæ and D. irroratus), related to the cassowary and the ostrich. The emu runs swiftly, but is unable to fly. [Written also emeu and emew.]
The name is sometimes erroneously applied, by the Brazilians, to the rhea, or South American ostrich.
Emu wren. See in the Vocabulary.
Em"u*la*ble (?), a. [L. aemulari to emulate + -able.] Capable of being emulated. [R.]
Some imitable and emulable good.
Abp. Leighton.
Em"u*late (?), a. [L. aemulatus, p. p. of aemulari, fr. aemulus emulous; prob. akin to E. imitate.] Striving to excel; ambitious; emulous. [Obs.] "A most emulate pride." Shak.
Em"u*late (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Emulated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Emulating (?).] To strive to equal or to excel in qualities or actions; to imitate, with a view to equal or to outdo, to vie with; to rival; as, to emulate the good and the great.
Thine eye would emulate the diamond.
Shak.
Em`u*la"tion (?), n. [L. aemulatio: cf. F. émulation.] 1. The endeavor to equal or to excel another in qualities or actions; an assiduous striving to equal or excel another; rivalry.
A noble emulation heats your breast.
Dryden.