pair off Definition

pair
noun

1. A set of two identical or corresponding things, eg shoes or gloves, intended for use together.

Thesaurus: combination, couple, duo, duet.
2. Something consisting of two joined and corresponding parts.

Example: a pair of trousers
Example: a pair of scissors
3. One of a matching pair

Example: Here's one earring ― where's its pair?
4. Two people associated in a relationship; a couple.

Thesaurus: match, couple, duo, twosome, duet.
5. Two mating animals, birds, fishes, etc.
6. Two horses harnessed together.

Example: a coach and pair
7. Two playing cards of the same denomination.
8a. In a parliament: 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;
8b. In a parliament: such an agreement.
9. cricket.
A duck (see duck¹ noun 5) in both innings.
10a. rowing.
(symbol 2+ or 2-) a racing-boat manned by two oarsmen or oarswomen;
10b. rowing.
(symbol 2+ or 2-) the crew of such a boat. Compare double.

verb paired, pairing

tr & intr
1. To divide into groups of two; to sort out in pairs.

Thesaurus: couple, join, link, marry, wed, yoke, mate, pair off, put together, match, splice, team; Antonym: sever.
intr
2. Said of two opposing voters in a parliament: to agree a pair (noun 8) above or to have such an agreement.

Derivative: paired
adj

Idiom: in pairs

In twos.

Etymology: 13c: from French paire a couple, from Latin par equal.

Phrasal Verb: pair off

To get together with someone romantically, sexually, etc, eg at a social gathering.

Phrasal Verb: pair something or someone off

To sort them into pairs.To set (things or people) against each other, eg in a game.

Phrasal Verb: pair up with someone

To join with them for some purpose.