1. n.1 the average or normal amount, degree, condition, etc. (feel below par; be up to par).
2 equality; an equal status or footing (on a par with).
3 Golf the number of strokes a first-class player should normally require for a hole or course.
4 Stock Exch. the face value of stocks and shares etc. (at par).
5 (in full par of exchange) the recognized value of one country's currency in terms of another's.
Phrases and idioms:
above (or below) par Stock Exch. at a premium (or discount). at par Stock Exch. at face value. par for the course colloq. what is normal or expected in any given circumstances.
Etymology: L (adj. & n.) equal, equality 2. n. Brit. esp. Journalism colloq. paragraph.
Etymology: abbr.