the paraguay tea, being the dried leaf of the brazilian holly (ilex paraguensis). the infusion has a pleasant odor, with an agreeable bitter taste, and is much used for tea in south america.-same as checkmate.-see 2d mat.-to confuse; to confound.-to checkmate.-one who customarily associates with another; a companion; an associate; any object which is associated or combined with a similar object.-hence, specifically, a husband or wife; and among the lower animals, one of a pair associated for propagation and the care of their young.-a suitable companion; a match; an equal.-an officer in a merchant vessel ranking next below the captain. if there are more than one bearing the title, they are called, respectively, first mate, second mate, third mate, etc. in the navy, a subordinate officer or assistant; as, master's mate; surgeon's mate.-to match; to marry.-to match one's self against; to oppose as equal; to compete with.-to be or become a mate or mates, especially in sexual companionship; as, some birds mate for life; this bird will not mate with that one.