Pair

Pair, pār, n. two things equal, or suited to each other, or used together: a set of two equal or like things forming one instrument, as a pair of scissors, tongs, &c., a set of like things generally: in building, a flight of stairs: a couple: a man and his wife: two members of a legislative body, holding opposite opinions, who agree with each other to abstain from voting for a certain time, so as to permit one or both to be absent.—v.t. to join in couples.—v.i. to be joined in couples: to fit as a counterpart.—adj. Paired, arranged in pairs: set by twos of a like kind: mated.—ns. Pair′ing, an agreement between two members of a legislative body holding opposite opinions to refrain from voting, so that both may absent themselves; Pair′ing-time, the time when birds go together in pairs; Pair′-roy′al, three cards of the same denomination, esp. in cribbage.—adv. Pair′-wise, in pairs.—Pair of colours, two flags carried by a regiment, one the national ensign, the other the flag of the regiment; Pair off (see Pairing above). [Fr. paire, a couple—pair, like—L. par, equal.]