pɛə n. & v. --n. 1 a set of
two persons or things used
together or regarded as a
unit (a pair of gloves; a pair of eyes). 2 an
article (e.g.
scissors,
trousers, or pyjamas) consisting of two joined or corresponding parts
not used separately. 3 a an
engaged or
married couple. b a mated couple of animals. 4 two horses harnessed
side by side (a
coach and pair). 5
the second
member of a pair in
relation to the
first (cannot
find its pair). 6 two playing cards of the
same denomination. 7 Parl.
either or
both of two
MPs etc. on
opposite sides absenting
themselves from voting by
mutual arrangement. --v.tr. & intr. 1 (often foll. by off)
arrange or be arranged in couples. 2 a
join or be joined in
marriage. b (of animals) mate. 3 Parl.
form a pair. øin pairs in twos. pair
production Physics the
conversion of a
radiation quantum into an
electron and a
positron. pair
royal a set of
three cards of the same denomination. [ME f. OF paire f. L paria neut. pl. of par equal]
