[pɑː], (Noun)

Definitions:
- the number of strokes a first-class player should normally require for a particular hole or course
(e.g: Woosnam had advanced from his overnight position of three under par)

- the face value of a share or other security, as distinct from its market value
(e.g: the 9 per cent unsecured loan stock is redeemable at par)


Phrases:
- above par
- on a par with
- par for the course
- under par
- up to par

Origin:
late 16th century (in the sense ‘equality of value or standing’): from Latin, ‘equal’, also ‘equality’. The golf term dates from the late 19th century

[pɑː], (Verb)

Definitions:
- play (a hole) in par
(e.g: he calmly parred the 17th)


Phrases:
- above par
- on a par with
- par for the course
- under par
- up to par

Origin:
late 16th century (in the sense ‘equality of value or standing’): from Latin, ‘equal’, also ‘equality’. The golf term dates from the late 19th century

[pɑː], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a paragraph
(e.g: fifteen pars on the front page)


Phrases:

Origin:
mid 19th century: abbreviation