pare meaning and definition

PARE verb

Definition of pare (verb)

1. decrease gradually or bit by bit
   • synonyms: pare down
2. cut small bits or pare shavings from
   • "whittle a piece of wood"
   • synonyms: whittle
3. strip the skin off
   • "pare apples"
   • synonyms: peel, skin
4. remove the edges from and cut down to the desired size
   • "pare one's fingernails"; "trim the photograph"; "trim lumber"
   • synonyms: trim