(v. t.) 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.
(v. t.) 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.
(v. t.) Hence, figuratively: To compensate justly; to requite
according to merit; to reward; to punish; to retort or retaliate upon.
(v. t.) 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).
(v. t.) To discharge or fulfill, as a duy; to perform or render
duty, as that which has been promised.
(v. t.) To give or offer, without an implied obligation; as, to pay
attention; to pay a visit.
(v. i.) To give a recompense; to make payment, requital, or
satisfaction; to discharge a debt.
(v. i.) 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.
(n.) Satisfaction; content.
(n.) 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.
