identity \iden"tity\, n.; pl. identities. f. identit'e,
   ll. identitas, fr. l. idem the same, from the root of is he,
   that; cf. skr. idam this. cf. item.
   1. the state or quality of being identical, or the same;
      sameness.
      1913 webster

            identity is a relation between our cognitions of a
            thing, not between things themselves. --sir w.
                                                  hamilton.
      1913 webster

   2. the condition of being the same with something described
      or asserted, or of possessing a character claimed; as, to
      establish the identity of stolen goods.
      1913 webster

   3. math. an identical equation.
      1913 webster
see also:
identities item