(~s)
1.
A ~ is something wrapped in paper, usually so that it can be sent to someone by post. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use package )
...~s of food and clothing...
He had a large brown paper ~ under his left arm.
N-COUNT
2.
A ~ of land is a piece of land.
These small ~s of land were purchased for the most part by local people.
N-COUNT: N of n
3.
If you say that something is part and ~ of something else, you are emphasizing that it is involved or included in it.
Payment was part and ~ of carrying on insurance business within the UK...
PHRASE: v-link PHR, usu PHR of n emphasis