1. (n.) 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.

2. (n.) Same as Checkmate.

3. (a.) See Mat.

4. (v. t.) To confuse; to confound.

5. (v. t.) To checkmate.

6. (n.) One who customarily associates with another; a companion; an associate; any object which is associated or combined with a similar object.

7. (n.) Hence, specifically, a husband or wife; and among the lower animals, one of a pair associated for propagation and the care of their young.

8. (n.) A suitable companion; a match; an equal.

9. (n.) 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.

10. (v. t.) To match; to marry.

11. (v. t.) To match one's self against; to oppose as equal; to compete with.

12. (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.