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Definition of pair - 5 dictionary results

pair

  [pair] noun, plural pairs, pair, verb
Use pair in a Sentence
–noun
1. two identical, similar, or corresponding things that are matched for use together: a pair of gloves; a pair of earrings.
2. something consisting of or regarded as having two parts or pieces joined together: a pair of scissors; a pair of slacks.
3. two individuals who are similar or in some way associated: a pair of liars; a pair of seal pups.
4. a married, engaged, or dating couple.
5. two mated animals.
6. a span or team: a pair of horses.
7. Government.
a. two members on opposite sides in a deliberative body who for convenience, as to permit absence, arrange together to forgo voting on a given occasion.
b. the arrangement thus made.
8. Cards.
a. two playing cards of the same denomination without regard to suit or color.
b. pairs, two card players who are matched together against different contestants.
9. pairs. pair skating.
10. Also called kinematic pair. Mechanics. two parts or pieces so connected that they mutually constrain relative motion.
11. Philately. two postage stamps joined together either vertically or horizontally.
12. a set or combination of more than two objects forming a collective whole: a pair of beads.
–verb (used with object)
13. to arrange or designate in pairs or groups of two: She paired dancers for the waltz contest.
14. to form into a pair, as by matching, joining, etc.; match; couple: to pair freshly washed socks.
15. (of animals) to cause to mate.
–verb (used without object)
16. to separate into pairs or groups of two (usu. fol. by off): to pair off for a procession.
17. to form a pair or pairs.
18. to be a member of a pair.
19. to match with or resemble another.
20. to unite in close association with another, as in a business partnership, friendship, marriage, etc.
21. (of animals) to mate.
22. Government. (in a deliberative body) to form or arrange a pair.
Origin:
1250–1300; ME paire < OF < L pāria, pl. (taken as fem. sing.) of pār a pair. See par 1

Related forms:
pairwise, adverb

Synonyms:
1. Pair, brace, couple, span, yoke are terms for groups of two. Pair is used of two things naturally or habitually associated in use, or necessary to each other to make a complete set: a pair of dice. It is used also of one thing composed of two similar and complementary parts: a pair of trousers. Brace is a hunter's term, used of a pair of dogs, ducks, etc., or a pair of pistols or slugs: a brace of partridges. In couple the idea of combination or interdependence has become greatly weakened; it may be used loosely for two of anything (a couple of apples), and even for more than two: I have to see a couple of people. Span is used of a matched pair of horses harnessed together side by side. Yoke applies to the two animals hitched together under a yoke for drawing and pulling: a yoke of oxen.

Usage note:
When used without a modifier, pairs is the only possible plural: Pairs of skaters glided over the ice. When modified by a number, pairs is the more common form, especially referring to persons: Six pairs of masked dancers led the procession. The unmarked plural pair is used mainly in reference to inanimate objects or nonhumans: He has three pair (or pairs) of loafers. Two pair (or pairs) of barn owls have nested on our property.
Pair signifying two individuals can take either a singular or plural verb, but it is usually followed by a plural verb and referred to by a plural pronoun: The guilty pair have not been seen since their escape.
In the sense “a set or combination of more than two objects forming a collective whole,” pair occurs chiefly in fixed phrases: a pair of beads; a pair of stairs. This use is now somewhat old-fashioned. See also collective noun, couple.

pair

  [per]
–adjective
French. noting any even number, esp. in roulette. Compare impair.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To pair
pair   (pâr)   
n.   pl. pair or pairs

  1. Two corresponding persons or items, similar in form or function and matched or associated: a pair of shoes.

  2. One object composed of two joined, similar parts that are dependent upon each other: a pair of pliers.

    1. Two persons who are married, engaged, or dating.

    2. Two persons who have something in common and are considered together: a pair of hunters.

    3. Two mated animals.

    4. Two animals joined together in work.

  4. Games Two playing cards of the same denomination.

  5. Two members of a deliberative body with opposing opinions on a given issue who agree to abstain from voting on the issue, thereby offsetting each other.

  6. Chemistry An electron pair.

v.   paired, pair·ing, pairs

v.   tr.

  1. To arrange in sets of two; couple.

  2. To join in a pair; mate.

  3. To provide a partner for.

v.   intr.

  1. To form pairs or a pair.

  2. To join in marriage; mate.


[Middle English, from Old French paire, from Latin paria, equals, pl. of pār, a pair, from pār, equal; see perə-2 in Indo-European roots.]
Usage Note: The noun pair can be followed by a singular or plural verb. The singular is always used when pair denotes the set taken as a single entity: This pair of shoes is on sale. A plural verb is used when the members are considered as individuals: The pair are working more harmoniously now. After a number other than one, pair itself can be either singular or plural, but the plural is now more common: She bought six pairs (or pair) of stockings.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

pair  (n.)
c.1290, "two of a kind, coupled in use," from O.Fr. paire, from L. paria "equals," neut. pl. of par (gen. paris) "a pair, counterpart, equal," noun use of par (adj.) "equal," of unknown origin, perhaps connected with *per-, PIE root meaning "to sell, buy" (on notion of "give equal value for"), which would connect it with L. pretium "price," Lith. perku "I buy," Gk. porne "prostitute," lit. "bought, purchased." Or from PIE *pere- "to grant, allot" (which would connect it with part and portion). The verb, "to mate" is first attested 1611 in Shakespeare ("Winter's Tale"); sense of "to make a pair by matching" is from 1613; these often are distinguished now by pair off (c.1803) for the former and pair up (1908) for the latter. Pair bond (v.) is first attested 1940, in ref. to birds mating.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Idioms & Phrases

pair

In addition to the idiom beginning with pair, also see show one's (a clean pair of) heels.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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