Pay (pā), v. t. [OF. peier, fr. L. picare to pitch, pix pitch: cf. OF. peiz pitch, F. poix. See Pitch a black substance.] (Naut.) To cover, as bottom of a vessel, a seam, a spar, etc., with tar or pitch, or waterproof composition of tallow, resin, etc.; to smear.
[1913 Webster]

Pay (pā), v. i. To give a recompense; to make payment, requital, or satisfaction; to discharge a debt.
[1913 Webster]

The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again. Ps. xxxvii. 21.
[1913 Webster]

2. Hence, to make or secure suitable return for expense or trouble; to be remunerative or profitable; to be worth the effort or pains required; as, it will pay to ride; it will pay to wait; politeness always pays.
[1913 Webster]

To pay for. (a) To make amends for; to atone for; as, men often pay for their mistakes with loss of property or reputation, sometimes with life. (b) To give an equivalent for; to bear the expense of; to be mulcted on account of.
[1913 Webster]
'T was I paid for your sleeps; I watched your wakings. Beau. & Fl.
[1913 Webster]
-- To pay off. [Etymol. uncertain.] (a) (Naut.) To fall to leeward, as the head of a vessel under sail. (b) to repay (a debt). -- To pay on. [Etymol. uncertain.] To beat with vigor; to redouble blows. [Colloq.] -- To pay round [Etymol. uncertain.] (Naut.) To turn the ship's head.
[1913 Webster]