Definitions
1.nounThe conclusive victory in a game of chess that occurs when an opponent's king is threatened with unavoidable capture.
2.noun(by extension) Any losing situation with no escape; utter defeat.
3.nounA fellow, comrade, colleague, partner or someone with whom something is shared, e.g. shipmate, classmate.
4.noun(especially of a non-human animal) A breeding partner.
5.nounA friend, usually of the same sex."He's my best mate."
6.nounFriendly term of address to a stranger, usually male, of similar age"Excuse me, mate, have you got the time?"
7.nounIn naval ranks, a non-commissioned officer or his subordinate (e.g. Boatswain's Mate, Gunner's Mate, Sailmaker's Mate, etc).
8.nounA ship's officer, subordinate to the master on a commercial ship.
9.nounA first mate.
10.nounA technical assistant in certain trades (e.g. gasfitter's mate, plumber's mate); sometimes an apprentice.
11.nounThe other member of a matched pair of objects."I found one of the socks I wanted to wear, but I couldn't find its mate."
12.nounA suitable companion; a match; an equal.
13.nounThe abovementioned plant; the leaves and shoots used for the tea
14.nounA fellow sailor; often used affectedly, especially as a pirate."Ahoy mateys, scrub the deck!"
15.adjectiveSociable or friendly."You've been very matey with that new bird."
16.nounAn evergreen tree, Ilex paraquariensis, native to South America, cultivated for its leaves.
17.nounA beverage, resembling tea, made from the dried leaves of this plant.
18.nounA cup of this drink.