Pay /(pā)/

1. 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. (Naut.)

imp. & p. p. Paid; p. pr. & vb. n. Paying

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).

   Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

   If they pay this tax, they starve.

4. To discharge or fulfill, as a duy; 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.

1. 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.

1. Satisfaction; content.
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.