Mate (mät&auptack_;), n. [Sp.] 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.
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Mate, a. See 2d Mat. [Obs.] Chaucer.
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Mate, n. [Perhaps for older make a companion; cf. also OD. maet companion, mate, D. maat. Cf. Make a companion, Match a mate.] 1. One who customarily associates with another; a companion; an associate; any object which is associated or combined with a similar object.
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2. Hence, specifically, a husband or wife; and among the lower animals, one of a pair associated for propagation and the care of their young.
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3. A suitable companion; a match; an equal.
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Ye knew me once no mate
For you; there sitting where you durst not soar. Milton.
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4. (Naut.) 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.
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Mate, v. i. 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.
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