1. n. & v.
--n.
1. a contest or game of skill etc. in which persons or teams compete against each other.
2 a a person able to contend with another as an equal (meet one's match; be more than a match for). b a person equal to another in some quality (we shall never see his match). c a person or thing exactly like or corresponding to another.
3 a marriage.
4 a person viewed in regard to his or her eligibility for marriage, esp. as to rank or fortune (an excellent match).
--v.
1. a tr. be equal to or harmonious with; correspond to in some essential respect (the curtains match the wallpaper). b intr. (often foll. by with) correspond; harmonize (his socks do not match; does the ribbon match with your hat?).
2 tr. (foll. by against, with) place (a person etc.) in conflict, contest, or competition with (another).
3 tr. find material etc. that matches (another) (can you match this silk?).
4 tr. find a person or thing suitable for another (matching unemployed workers with vacant posts).
5 tr. prove to be a match for.
6 tr. Electronics produce or have an adjustment of (circuits) such that maximum power is transmitted between them.
7 tr. (usu. foll. by with) archaic join (a person) with another in marriage.
Phrases and idioms:
make a match bring about a marriage. match play Golf play in which the score is reckoned by counting the holes won by each side (cf. stroke play). match point
1. Tennis etc. a the state of a game when one side needs only one more point to win the match. b this point.
2 Bridge a unit of scoring in matches and tournaments. to match corresponding in some essential respect with what has been mentioned (yellow dress with gloves to match). well-matched fit to contend with each other, live together, etc., on equal terms.
Derivatives:
matchable adj.
Etymology: OE gem{aelig}cca mate, companion, f. Gmc 2. n.1 a short thin piece of wood, wax, etc., tipped with a composition that can be ignited by friction.
2 a piece of wick, cord, etc., designed to burn at a uniform rate, for firing a cannon etc.
Etymology: ME f. OF mesche, meiche, perh. f. L myxa lamp-nozzle