Score n.
1. A notch or incision; especially, one that is made as a tally mark; hence, a mark, or line, made for the purpose of account.
Whereas, before, our forefathers had no other books but the score and the tally, thou hast caused printing to be used. --Shak.
2. An account or reckoning; account of dues; bill; hence, indebtedness.
He parted well, and paid his score. --Shak.
3. Account; reason; motive; sake; behalf.
But left the trade, as many more
Have lately done on the same score. --Hudibras.
You act your kindness in Cydaria's score. --Dryden.
4. The number twenty, as being marked off by a special score or tally; hence, in pl., a large number.
Amongst three or four score hogsheads. --Shak.
At length the queen took upon herself to grant patents of monopoly by scores. --Macaulay.
5. A distance of twenty yards; -- a term used in ancient archery and gunnery.
6. A weight of twenty pounds. [Prov. Eng.]
7. The number of points gained by the contestants, or either of them, in any game, as in cards or cricket.
8. A line drawn; a groove or furrow.
9. Mus. The original and entire draught, or its transcript, of a composition, with the parts for all the different instruments or voices written on staves one above another, so that they can be read at a glance; -- so called from the bar, which, in its early use, was drawn through all the parts.
In score Mus., having all the parts arranged and placed in juxtaposition. --Smart.
To quit scores, to settle or balance accounts; to render an equivalent; to make compensation.
Does not the earth quit scores with all the elements in the noble fruits that issue from it? --South.