to pair off

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Pair \Pair\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Paired; p. pr. & vb. n. Pairing.]

1.To be joined in pairs; to couple; to mate, as for breeding. [1913 Webster]

2.To suit; to fit, as a counterpart. [1913 Webster]

My heart was made to fit and pair with thine.— Rowe.[1913 Webster]

3.Same as To pair off. See phrase below. [1913 Webster]

To pair off, to separate from a group in pairs or couples; specif. (Parliamentary Cant), to agree with one of the opposite party or opinion to abstain from voting on specified questions or issues. See Pair, n., 6. [1913 Webster]