noun pl. pairs or pair

1. two similar or corresponding things joined, associated, or used together a pair of gloves
2. a single thing made up of two corresponding parts that are used together a pair of pants
3. two persons or animals; specif.,
   1. a married, engaged, or courting couple
   2. two mated animals
   3. any two people considered as having something in common a pair of thieves
   4. a brace; span a pair of oxen
   5. two legislators on opposing sides of some question who agree to withhold their vote so as to offset each other; also, such an agreement
4. two playing cards of the same denomination
5. Chiefly Dial. a set or series a pair of stairs, a pair of beads

Etymology: ME paire < OFr < L paria, neut. pl. of par, equal: see par

transitive verb

1. to make a pair of (two persons or things) by matching, joining, mating, etc.
2. to arrange in pairs
3. to provide with a partner: followed by with

intransitive verb

1. to form a pair; match
2. to join in marriage; mate