mates

1. The conclusive victory in a game of chess that occurs when an opponent's king is threatened with unavoidable capture.
2. (by extension) Any losing situation with no escape; utter defeat.

1. To put the king of an opponent into checkmate.

   That jerk checkmated me in four moves!

2. (by extension) To place in a losing situation that has no escape.

1. A fellow, comrade, colleague, partner or someone with whom something is shared, e.g. shipmate, classmate.
2. (especially of a non-human animal) A breeding partner.
3. A friend, usually of the same sex.

   He's my best mate.

4. Friendly term of address to a stranger, usually male, of similar age

   Excuse me, mate, have you got the time?

5. In naval ranks, a non-commissioned officer or his subordinate (e.g. Boatswain's Mate, Gunner's Mate, Sailmaker's Mate, etc).
6. A ship's officer, subordinate to the master on a commercial ship.
7. A first mate.
8. A technical assistant in certain trades (e.g. gasfitter's mate, plumber's mate); sometimes an apprentice.
9. The other member of a matched pair of objects.

   I found one of the socks I wanted to wear, but I couldn't find its mate.

10. A suitable companion; a match; an equal.

1. To match, fit together without space between.

   The pieces of the puzzle mate perfectly.

2. To copulate.
3. To pair in order to raise offspring
4. To arrange in matched pairs.
5. To introduce (animals) together for the purpose of breeding.
6. (of an animal) To copulate with.
7. To marry; to match (a person).
8. To match oneself against; to oppose as equal; to compete with.
9. To fit (objects) together without space between.
10. To move (a space shuttle orbiter) onto the back of an aircraft that can carry it.

verb

To confuse; to confound.

noun

The abovementioned plant; the leaves and shoots used for the tea

1. Friendly; having a friendship (with).

   He is mates with my brother.

1. An evergreen tree, Ilex paraquariensis, native to South America, cultivated for its leaves.
2. A beverage, resembling tea, made from the dried leaves of this plant.
3. A cup of this drink.