What is "to make one's mark"

Mark \Mark\, n. [OE. marke, merke, AS. mearc; akin to D. merk, MHG. marc, G. marke, Icel. mark, Dan. m[ae]rke; cf. Lith. margas party-colored. [root]106, 273. Cf. Remark.]

1. A visible sign or impression made or left upon anything; esp., a line, point, stamp, figure, or the like, drawn or impressed, so as to attract the attention and convey some information or intimation; a token; a trace.

   The Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.
   --Gen. iv. 15.

2. Specifically:

   1. A character or device put on an article of merchandise by the maker to show by whom it was made; a trade-mark.

   2. A character (usually a cross) made as a substitute for a signature by one who can not write.

      The mark of the artisan is found upon the most ancient fabrics that have come to light.
      --Knight.

3. A fixed object serving for guidance, as of a ship, a traveler, a surveyor, etc.; as, a seamark, a landmark.

4. A trace, dot, line, imprint, or discoloration, although not regarded as a token or sign; a scratch, scar, stain, etc.; as, this pencil makes a fine mark.

   I have some marks of yours upon my pate.
   --Shak.

5. An evidence of presence, agency, or influence; a significative token; a symptom; a trace; specifically, a permanent impression of one's activity or character.

   The confusion of tongues was a mark of separation.
   --Bacon.

6. That toward which a missile is directed; a thing aimed at; what one seeks to hit or reach.

   France was a fairer mark to shoot at than Ireland.
   --Davies.

   Whate'er the motive, pleasure is the mark.
   --Young.

7. Attention, regard, or respect.

   As much in mock as mark.
   --Shak.

8. Limit or standard of action or fact; as, to be within the mark; to come up to the mark.

9. Badge or sign of honor, rank, or official station.

   In the official marks invested, you Anon do meet the Senate.
   --Shak.

10. Pre["e]minence; high position; as, patricians of mark; a fellow of no mark.

11. (Logic) A characteristic or essential attribute; a differential.

12. A number or other character used in registering; as, examination marks; a mark for tardiness.

13. Image; likeness; hence, those formed in one's image; children; descendants. [Obs.] ``All the mark of Adam.''
    --Chaucer.

14. (Naut.) One of the bits of leather or colored bunting which are placed upon a sounding line at intervals of from two to five fathoms. The unmarked fathoms are called ``deeps.'' A man of mark, a conspicuous or eminent man. To make one's mark.

    1. To sign, as a letter or other writing, by making a cross or other mark.

    2. To make a distinct or lasting impression on the public mind, or on affairs; to gain distinction.

       Syn: Impress; impression; stamp; print; trace; vestige; track; characteristic; evidence; proof; token; badge; indication; symptom.