What is "on even ground"

Even \E"ven\, a. [AS. efen. efn; akin to OS. eban, D. even, OHG. eban, G. efen, Icel. jafn, Dan. jevn, Sw. j["a]mn, Goth. ibns. Cf. Anent, Ebb.]

1. Level, smooth, or equal in surface; not rough; free from irregularities; hence uniform in rate of motion of action; as, even ground; an even speed; an even course of conduct.

2. Equable; not easily ruffled or disturbed; calm; uniformly self-possessed; as, an even temper.

3. Parallel; on a level; reaching the same limit.

   And shall lay thee even with the ground.
   --Luke xix. 4

4. 4. Balanced; adjusted; fair; equitable; impartial; just to both sides; owing nothing on either side; -- said of accounts, bargains, or persons indebted; as, our accounts are even; an even bargain.

   To make the even truth in pleasure flow.
   --Shak.

5. Without an irregularity, flaw, or blemish; pure. ``I know my life so even.''
   --Shak.

6. Associate; fellow; of the same condition. [Obs.] ``His even servant.''
   --Wyclif (Matt. xviii. 29).

7. Not odd; capable of division by two without a remainder; -- said of numbers; as, 4 and 10 are even numbers.

   Whether the number of the stars is even or odd.
   --Jer. Taylor.

   On even ground, with equal advantage.

   On even keel (Naut.), in a level or horizontal position.