Definitions for the word "pair" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. n.
A number of things resembling one another, or belonging together; a set; as, a pair or flight of stairs. "A pair of beads." Chaucer. Beau. & Fl. "Four pair of stairs." Macaulay. [Now mostly or quite disused, except as to stairs.]
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
Two things of a kind, similar in form, suited to each other, and intended to be used together; as, a pair of gloves or stockings; a pair of shoes.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
Two of a sort; a span; a yoke; a couple; a brace; as, a pair of horses; a pair of oxen.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
A married couple; a man and wife.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. n.
A single thing, composed of two pieces fitted to each other and used together; as, a pair of scissors; a pair of tongs; a pair of bellows.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. n.
Two members of opposite parties or opinion, as in a parliamentary body, who mutually agree not to vote on a given question, or on issues of a party nature during a specified time; as, there were two pairs on the final vote.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. n.
In a mechanism, two elements, or bodies, which are so applied to each other as to mutually constrain relative motion.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. v. i.
To be joined in paris; to couple; to mate, as for breeding.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. v. i.
To suit; to fit, as a counterpart.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. v. i.
Same as To pair off. See phrase below.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. v. t.
To unite in couples; to form a pair of; to bring together, as things which belong together, or which complement, or are adapted to one another.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. v. t.
To engage (one's self) with another of opposite opinions not to vote on a particular question or class of questions.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. v. t.
To impair.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. n.
1 set of two people or things used together or regarded as a unit. 2 article (e.g. Scissors, trousers, or pyjamas) consisting of two joined or corresponding parts. 3 a engaged or married couple. B mated couple of animals. 4 two horses harnessed side by side (coach and pair). 5 member of a pair in relation to the other (cannot find its pair). 6 two playing-cards of the same denomination. 7 either or both of two mps etc. On opposite sides agreeing not to vote on certain occasions. v. 1 (often foll. By off) arrange or be arranged in couples. 2 a join or be joined in marriage. B (of animals) mate. [latin paria: related to *par]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
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