GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Found 4 definitions
-
Pay , 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, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Paid ; p. pr. & vb. n. Paying.] [OE. paien, F. payer, fr. L. pacare to pacify, appease, fr. pax, pacis, peace. See Peace.]
- To satisfy, or content; specifically, to satisfy (another person) for service rendered, property delivered, etc.; to discharge one's obligation to; to make due return to; to compensate; to remunerate; to recompense; to requite; as, to pay workmen or servants.1913 Webster
May no penny ale them pay [i. e., satisfy].
P. Plowman.1913 Webster[She] pays me with disdain.
Dryden.1913 Webster - Hence, figuratively: To compensate justly; to requite according to merit; to reward; to punish; to retort or retaliate upon.1913 Webster
For which, or pay me quickly, or I'll pay you.
B. Jonson.1913 Webster - To discharge, as a debt, demand, or obligation, by giving or doing what is due or required; to deliver the amount or value of to the person to whom it is owing; to discharge a debt by delivering (money owed). “Pay me that thou owest.”Matt. xviii. 28.1913 Webster
Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
Matt. xviii. 26.1913 WebsterIf they pay this tax, they starve.
Tennyson.1913 Webster - To discharge or fulfill, as a duty; to perform or render duty, as that which has been promised.1913 Webster
This day have I paid my vows.
Prov. vii. 14.1913 Webster - To give or offer, without an implied obligation; as, to pay attention; to pay a visit.1913 Webster
Not paying me a welcome.
Shak.1913 WebsterTo pay off. (a) To make compensation to and discharge; as, to pay off the crew of a ship. (b) To allow (a thread, cord, etc.) to run off; to unwind. (c) to bribe. -- To pay one's duty, to render homage, as to a sovereign or other superior. -- To pay out (Naut.), to pass out; hence, to slacken; to allow to run out; as, to pay out more cable. See under Cable. -- To pay the piper, to bear the cost, expense, or trouble. [Colloq.]
1913 Webster
- To satisfy, or content; specifically, to satisfy (another person) for service rendered, property delivered, etc.; to discharge one's obligation to; to make due return to; to compensate; to remunerate; to recompense; to requite; as, to pay workmen or servants.
-
Pay , 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- 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
- 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.
-
Pay, n.
- Satisfaction; content.Chaucer.1913 Webster
- An equivalent or return for money due, goods purchased, or services performed; salary or wages for work or service; compensation; recompense; payment; hire; as, the pay of a clerk; the pay of a soldier.1913 Webster
Where only merit constant pay receives.
Pope.1913 WebsterThere is neither pay nor plunder to be got.
L'Estrange.1913 WebsterFull pay, the whole amount of wages or salary; maximum pay; especially, the highest pay or allowance to civil or military officers of a certain rank, without deductions. -- Half pay. See under Half. -- Pay day, the day of settlement of accounts. -- Pay dirt (Mining), earth which yields a profit to the miner. [Western U.S.] -- Pay office, a place where payment is made. -- Pay roll, (a) a roll or list of persons entitled to payment, with the amounts due; now usually one word, payroll. (b) the total sum of money which is paid to all employees on payday.
1913 Webster+PJC
- Satisfaction; content.