Search results for 'pair':

pair noun 1 a set of two identical or corresponding things, eg shoes or gloves, intended for use together. 2 something consisting of two joined and corresponding parts • a pair of trousers • a pair of scissors. 3 one of a matching pair • Here's one earring - where's its pair? 4 two people associated in a relationship; a couple. 5 two mating animals, birds, fishes, etc. 6 two horses harnessed together • a coach and pair. 7 two playing cards of the same denomination. 8 in a parliament: a two voters on opposite sides in a parliament who have an agreement to abstain from voting on a specific motion or for a specific duration, usually because one or both will be absent from parliament at the time; b such an agreement. 9 cricket a duck (see duck¹ noun 5) in both innings. 10 rowing (symbol 2+ or 2-) a a racing-boat manned by two oarsmen or oarswomen; b the crew of such a boat. Compare double. verb (paired, pairing) 1 tr & intr to divide into groups of two; to sort out in pairs. 2 intrans said of two opposing voters in a parliament: to agree a pair (noun 8) above or to have such an agreement. paired adj. in pairs in twos.
ETYMOLOGY: 13c: from French paire a couple, from Latin par equal.