v. t. | 1. | To cut off, or shave off, the superficial substance or extremities of; |
2. | To remove; to separate; to cut or shave, as the skin, rind, or outside part, from anything; - followed by | |
3. | Fig.: To diminish the bulk of; to reduce; to lessen. |
Verb | 1. | pare - decrease gradually or bit by bit Synonyms: pare down |
2. | pare - cut small bits or pare shavings from; "whittle a piece of wood" Synonyms: whittle | |
3. | pare - strip the skin off; "pare apples" | |
4. | pare - remove the edges from and cut down to the desired size; "pare one's fingernails"; "trim the photograph"; "trim lumber" Synonyms: trim |