to pair off

1 definition found

to pair off - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Pair \Pair\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Paired; p. pr. & vb. n.
     Pairing.]
     1. To be joined in pairs; to couple; to mate, as for
        breeding.
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     2. To suit; to fit, as a counterpart.
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              My heart was made to fit and pair with thine.
                                                    --Rowe.
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     3. Same as To pair off. See phrase below.
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     To pair off, to separate from a group in pairs or couples;
        specif. (Parliamentary Cant), to agree with one of the
        opposite party or opinion to abstain from voting on
        specified questions or issues. See Pair, n., 6.
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