pair

[[t]pɛər[/t]]

n. pl. pairs, pair, v.

1) two identical, similar, or corresponding things that are matched for use together:

a pair of gloves[/ex]

2) something consisting of or regarded as having two parts or pieces joined together:

a pair of scissors[/ex]

3) two individuals who are similar or in some way associated:

a pair of liars; a pair of seal pups[/ex]

4) a married, engaged, or dating couple

5) zool. two mated animals

6) zool. a span or team:

a pair of horses[/ex]

7) gov

a) two members on opposite sides in a legislature who arrange to forgo voting on a given occasion

b) the arrangement thus made

8) gam two playing cards of the same denomination without regard to suit or color

9) mec Mech. two parts or pieces so connected that they mutually constrain relative motion

10) a set or combination of more than two objects forming a collective whole:

a pair of beads[/ex]

11) to arrange or designate in pairs or groups of two

12) to form into a pair, as by matching or joining:

to pair socks[/ex]

13) (of animals) to cause to mate

14) to separate into pairs or groups of two (usu. fol. by off):

to pair off for a dance[/ex]

15) to form a pair or pairs

16) to be a member of a pair

17) to match with or resemble another

18) to unite in close association with another, as in a business partnership, friendship, or marriage

19) (of animals) to mate

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Etymology: 1250–1300; ME paire < OF < L pāria, pl. (taken as fem. sing. in VL) of pār a pair. See par usage: When modified by a number, the plural of pair is more commonly pairs, esp. of persons: six pairs of masked dancers in the procession. The unmarked plural pair is used mainly in reference to inanimate objects or nonhumans: four pair (or pairs) of loafers; two pair (or pairs) of oxen. See also collective noun, couple