Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PAIR, n. [Fr. pair; L. Sp. and Port. par; It. pari; Arm. par; D. paar; G. par, paar; Sw. par; Norm. par or peir; Ir. peire; Sax. gefera, with a prefix. In W. par signifies what is contiguous or in continuity, a state of readiness or preparedness, a pair, fellow, match or couple, and para signifies to endure, to continue, to persevere; paru, to couple or join. In this language, as in Spanish, par, pair, is shown to be connected with the L. paro, to prepare. Now in Heb. Ch. Syr. and Eth. חבר signifies to join, couple, or associate, and the noun, an associate, evidently this very word, which goes far to prove that חבר is a derivative of the root ברא, from which the Latins probably have paro. See Class Br, No. 19. The primary sense of the root is to throw, strain and extend, and hence par, equal, is extended to, near, contiguous, or equally extended.]

1. Two things of a kind, similar in form, applied to the same purpose, and suited to each other or used together; as, a pair of gloves or stockings; a pair of shoes; a pair of oxen or horses.
2. Two of a sort; a couple; a brace; as, a pair of nerves; a pair of doves. – Luke ii.