One of a pair or a pal (4)

I believe the answer is:

mate

I believe this is a double definition.

'one of a pair' is the first definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'a pal' is the second definition.
(I've seen this in other clues)

(Other definitions for mate that I've seen before include "Friend; chess ending" , "China" , "Move terminal for King" , "Freind, companion" , "One of a pair or a pal" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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