Pay
Pay (pā) , transitive verb
[Old French peier, from Latin picare to pitch, pix pitch: compare Old French peiz pitch, French poix. See Pitch a black substance.]
(Nautical) 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.
Pay (pād) , transitive verb
[Old English paien, French payer, from Latin pacare to pacify, appease, from pax, pacis, peace. See Peace.]
1.
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.
May no penny ale them pay [i. e., satisfy].
[She] pays me with disdain.
2.
Hence, figuratively: To compensate justly; to requite according to merit; to reward; to punish; to retort or retaliate upon.
For which, or pay me quickly, or I'll pay you.
3.
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.
Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
If they pay this tax, they starve.
4.
To discharge or fulfill, as a duty; to perform or render duty, as that which has been promised.
This day have I paid my vows.
5.
To give or offer, without an implied obligation; as, to pay attention; to pay a visit.
Not paying me a welcome.
Collocations (4)
To 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 (Nautical) , 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. [Colloquial]
Pay (pā) , intransitive verb
To give a recompense; to make payment, requital, or satisfaction; to discharge a debt.
The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again.
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.
'T was I paid for your sleeps; I watched your wakings.
Pay , noun
1.
Satisfaction; content. — Chaucer
2.
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.
Where only merit constant pay receives.
There is neither pay nor plunder to be got.
Collocations (6)
Full 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 United States]
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.