Dictionary entry

Pay (4)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Pay, n. 1. Satisfaction; content. Chaucer.

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. Pope.

There is neither pay nor plunder to be got. L'Estrange.

Full pay, the whole amount of wages or salary; maximum pay; especially, the highest pay or allowance to civil or military officers of a certain rank, without deductions. — Half pay. See under Half. — Pay day, the day of settlement of accounts. — Pay dirt(Mining), earth which yields a profit to the miner. — Pay office, a place where payment is made. — Pay roll, a roll or list of persons entitled to payment, with the amounts due.