Ma"te (?), 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.
© Webster 1913.
Mate (?), n. [F. mat, abbrev. fr. 'echec et mat. See Checkmate.] Chess
Same as Checkmate.
© Webster 1913.
Mate, a.
See 2d Mat.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.
© Webster 1913.
Mate, v. t. [F. mater to fatigue, enfeeble, humiliate, checkmate. See Mate checkmate.]
1.
To confuse; to confound.
[Obs.]
Shak.
2.
To checkmate.
© Webster 1913.
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.
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.
3.
A suitable companion; a match; an equal.
Ye knew me once no mate
For you; there sitting where you durst not soar.
Milton.
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.
© Webster 1913.
Mate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Mated; p. pr. & vb. n. Mating.]
1.
To match; to marry.
If she be mated with an equal husband.
Shak.
2.
To match one's self against; to oppose as equal; to compete with.
There is no passion in the mind of man so weak but it mates and masters the fear of death.
Bacon.
I, . . . in the way of loyalty and truth, . . .
Dare mate a sounder man than Surrey can be.
Shak.
© Webster 1913.
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.
© Webster 1913.