I. ˈpak noun
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English, of Low German or Dutch origin; akin to Middle Low German & Middle Dutch pak pack
Date: 13th century
1.
a. : a bundle arranged for convenience in carrying especially on the back
b. : a group or pile of related objects
c.
(1) : a number of individual components packaged as a unit
a pack of gum
(2) : container
(3) : a compact unitized assembly to perform a specific function
(4) : a stack of magnetic disks in a container for use as a storage device
2.
a. : the contents of a bundle
b. : a large amount or number : heap
a pack of lies
c. : a full set of playing cards
3.
a. : an act or instance of packing
b. : a method of packing
4.
a. : a set of persons with a common interest : clique
b. : an organized unit (as of Cub Scouts)
5.
a.
(1) : a group of domesticated animals trained to hunt or run together
(2) : a group of often predatory animals of the same kind
a wolf pack
(3) : a large group of individuals massed together (as in a race)
b. : wolf pack
6. : a concentrated or compacted mass (as of snow or ice)
7. : wet absorbent material for therapeutic application to the body
8.
a. : a cosmetic paste for the face
b. : an application or treatment of oils or creams for conditioning the scalp and hair
9. : material used in packing
II. verb
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1.
a. : to make into a compact bundle
b. : to fill completely
fans pack ed the stadium
c. : to fill with packing
pack a joint in a pipe
d. : to load with a pack
pack a mule
e. : to put in a protective container
goods pack ed for shipment
2.
a. : to crowd together
b. : to increase the density of : compress
3.
a. : to cause or command to go without ceremony
pack ed him off to school
b. : to bring to an end : give up — used with up or in
might pack up the assignment
— used especially in the phrase pack it in
4. : to gather into tight formation : make a pack of (as hounds)
5. : to cover or surround with a pack
6.
a. : to transport on foot or on the back of an animal
pack a canoe overland
b. : to wear or carry as equipment
pack a gun
c. : to be supplied or equipped with : possess
a storm pack ing hurricane winds
d. : to make or be capable of making (an impact)
a book that pack s a man-sized punch — C. J. Rolo
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to go away without ceremony : depart
simply pack ed up and left
b. : quit , stop — used with up or in
why don't you pack in, before you kill yourself — Millard Lampell
2.
a. : to stow goods and equipment for transportation
b. : to be suitable for packing
a knit dress pack s well
3.
a. : to assemble in a group : congregate
b. : to crowd together
4. : to become built up or compacted in a layer or mass
the ore pack ed into a stony mass
5.
a. : to carry goods or equipment
b. : to travel with one's baggage (as by horse)
• pack·abil·i·ty ˌpa-kə-ˈbi-lə-tē noun
• pack·able ˈpa-kə-bəl adjective
III. transitive verb
Etymology: obsolete pack to make a secret agreement
Date: 1587
1. : to influence the composition of so as to bring about a desired result
pack a jury
2. archaic : to arrange (the cards in a pack) so as to cheat
IV. adjective
Etymology: perhaps from obsolete pack to make a secret agreement
Date: 1701
chiefly Scottish : intimate