Couple (kŭp'l), n. [F. couple, fr. L. copula a bond, band; co- + apere, aptum, to join. See Art, a., and cf. Copula.] 1. That which joins or links two things together; a bond or tie; a coupler. [Obs.]
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It is in some sort with friends as it is with dogs in couples; they should be of the same size and humor. L'Estrange.
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I'll go in couples with her. Shak.
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2. Two of the same kind connected or considered together; a pair; a brace. “A couple of shepherds.” Sir P. Sidney. “A couple of drops” Addison. “A couple of miles.” Dickens. “A couple of weeks.” Carlyle.
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Adding one to one we have the complex idea of a couple. Locke.
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[Ziba] met him with a couple of asses saddled. 2 Sam. xvi. 1.
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3. A male and female associated together; esp., a man and woman who are married or betrothed.
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Such were our couple, man and wife. Lloyd.
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Fair couple linked in happy, nuptial league. Milton.
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4. (Arch.) See Couple-close.
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5. (Elec.) One of the pairs of plates of two metals which compose a voltaic battery; -- called a voltaic couple or galvanic couple.
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6. (Mech.) Two rotations, movements, etc., which are equal in amount but opposite in direction, and acting along parallel lines or around parallel axes.
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&hand_; The effect of a couple of forces is to produce a rotation. A couple of rotations is equivalent to a motion of translation.
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Couple, v. i. To come together as male and female; to copulate. [Obs.] Milton. Bacon.
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