/ peə(r); NAmE per/ verb [ vn ]
1.
pare sth (off / away) to remove the thin outer layer of sth :
First, pare the rind from the lemon.
She pared the apple.
2.
pare sth (back / down) to gradually reduce the size or amount :
The training budget has been pared back to a minimum.
The workforce has been pared to the bone (= reduced to the lowest possible level) .
3.
( especially BrE ) to cut away the edges of sth, especially your nails, in order to make them smooth and neat
—see also parings
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French parer adorn, prepare, also peel, trim, from Latin parare prepare.