The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Emulate \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.
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         Thine eye would emulate the diamond.     --Shak.
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