adj ·see 2d mat.
2. mate ·vt to checkmate.
3. mate ·noun ·same·as checkmate.
4. mate ·noun a suitable companion; a match; an equal.
5. mate ·vt to match; to marry.
6. mate ·vt to match one's self against; to oppose as equal; to compete with.
7. mate ·vt to confuse; to confound.
8. mate ·noun one who customarily associates with another; a companion; an associate; any object which is associated or combined with a similar object.
9. mate ·noun hence, specifically, a husband or wife; and among the lower animals, one of a pair associated for propagation and the care of their young.
10. mate ·vi to be or become a mate or mates, especially in sexual companionship; as, some birds mate for life; this bird will not mate with that one.
11. mate ·noun the paraguay tea, being the dried leaf of the brazilian holly (ilex paraguensis). the infusion has a pleasant odor, with an agreeable bitter taste, and is much used for tea in south america.
12. mate ·noun an officer in a merchant vessel ranking next below the captain. if there are more than one bearing the title, they are called, respectively, first mate, second mate, third mate, ·etc. in the navy, a subordinate officer or assistant; as, master's mate; surgeon's mate.