etc., and so forth, class (first), quality, equal, similar
等 centers on the idea of sameness or grouping things of the same kind: being equal, similar, or of the same class. The 'etc.' and 'and so forth' senses extend this by implying other items of the same type.
等 combines 竹 (bamboo) and 寺 (temple). Historically, 竹 likely represents bamboo slips used for writing, and 寺 may have contributed a phonetic element, together suggesting arranging or classifying written records into equal groups.
Imagine bamboo slips (竹) in a temple (寺) being sorted into equal stacks: each stack represents a class of similar items, and the rest are 'etc.'
For トウ, picture a tall tower (タワー -> トウ) made of equal bamboo poles stacked neatly outside a temple.
et cetera; etc.; and the like; and so forth
pluralizing suffix
these
high class; high grade
equality; equal; same rights; same rank; equivalence
equal; identical; the same
equality; impartiality; evenness
superior; first-class; excellent; top quality
equality (esp. of status); equal footing; equal terms
grade; class; degree; rank; rating; order; points
body proportions
honor student; honours student; model student; prize pupil
etc.; et cetera; and so on
equal (distribution, treatment, level, etc.); even; uniform
first class; first rank; first grade; first place; first prize
second grade; medium quality; average; middle class; secondary grade
inequality; unfairness
equivalence; equal value; parity
division into equal parts; equal parts
inferior; base; vulgar; low grade; lower class
neglect; negligence; disregard; making light of
they; those guys; those fellows
these guys; these fellows
inferiority complex; sense of inferiority