I. ˈpa(a)](ə)r, ˈpe], ]ə\ transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English paren, from Middle French parer to prepare, trim, from Latin parare to prepare, procure; akin to Old English fearr bull, ox, Old High German far, farro, Old Norse farri bull, Latin parere to give birth to, beget, produce, Greek poris calf, Sanskrit pṛthuka head of cattle, calf, young of an animal, and perhaps to Old English faran to go, travel — more at fare
1.
a. : to trim off excess, irregular, or surface parts of : shave off an outer edge or part of
pare the horse's hoof
b. : to trim off an outside part (as the skin or rind) of
pare apples for a pie
— usually used with off or away
c. archaic : to remove the turf from (a field) : clear a field of (turf)
2. : to diminish the bulk of by or as if by paring : reduce gradually
the navy poker players had pared the $70 I brought aboard to $14 — T.W.Lawson
3. : to thin (leather, paper, and similar materials) with a knife (as in binding a book)
Synonyms: see skin
II.
chiefly dialect
variant of pair