Definition of mate

• n. - The Paraguay tea, being the dried leaf of the Brazilian holly (Ilex Paraguensis). The infusion has a pleasant odor, with an agreeable bitter taste, and is much used for tea in South America.
• n. - Same as Checkmate.
• a. - See 2d Mat.
• v. t. - To confuse; to confound.
• v. t. - To checkmate.
• n. - One who customarily associates with another; a companion; an associate; any object which is associated or combined with a similar object.
• n. - Hence, specifically, a husband or wife; and among the lower animals, one of a pair associated for propagation and the care of their young.
• n. - A suitable companion; a match; an equal.
• n. - An officer in a merchant vessel ranking next below the captain. If there are more than one bearing the title, they are called, respectively, first mate, second mate, third mate, etc. In the navy, a subordinate officer or assistant; as, master's mate; surgeon's mate.
• v. t. - To match; to marry.
• v. t. - To match one's self against; to oppose as equal; to compete with.
• v. i. - To be or become a mate or mates, especially in sexual companionship; as, some birds mate for life; this bird will not mate with that one.