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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Couple \Cou"ple\ (k[u^]p"'l), n. [F. couple, fr. L. copula a
bond, band; co- apere, aptum, to join. See {Art}, a., and
cf. {Copula}.]
1. That which joins or links two things together; a bond or
tie; a coupler. [Obs.]
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It is in some sort with friends as it is with dogs
in couples; they should be of the same size and
humor. --L'Estrange.
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I'll go in couples with her. --Shak.
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2. Two of the same kind connected or considered together; a
pair; a brace. "A couple of shepherds." --Sir P. Sidney.
"A couple of drops" --Addison. "A couple of miles."
--Dickens. "A couple of weeks." --Carlyle.
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Adding one to one we have the complex idea of a
couple. --Locke.
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[Ziba] met him with a couple of asses saddled. --2
Sam. xvi. 1.
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3. A male and female associated together; esp., a man and
woman who are married or betrothed.
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Such were our couple, man and wife. --Lloyd.
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Fair couple linked in happy, nuptial league.
--Milton.
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4. (Arch.) See {Couple-close}.
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5. (Elec.) One of the pairs of plates of two metals which
compose a voltaic battery; -- called a {voltaic couple} or
{galvanic couple}.
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6. (Mech.) Two rotations, movements, etc., which are equal in
amount but opposite in direction, and acting along
parallel lines or around parallel axes.
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Note: The effect of a couple of forces is to produce a
rotation. A couple of rotations is equivalent to a
motion of translation.
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Couple \Cou"ple\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Coupled} (k[u^]p"'ld); p.
pr. & vb. n. {Coupling} (k[u^]p"l[i^]ng).] [F. coupler, fr.
L. copulare. See {Couple}, n., and cf. {Copulate}, {Cobble},
v.]
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1. To link or tie, as one thing to another; to connect or
fasten together; to join.
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Huntsman, I charge thee, tender well my hounds, . .
.
And couple Clowder with the deep-mouthed brach.
--Shak.
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2. To join in wedlock; to marry. [Colloq.]
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A parson who couples all our beggars. --Swift.
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Couple \Cou"ple\, v. i.
To come together as male and female; to copulate. [Obs.]
--Milton. Bacon.
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