MATE (6)

Mate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Mated; p. pr. & vb. n. Mating.] 1. 1. To match; to marry.
If she be mated with an equal husband. Shak. 2. 2. To match one's self against; to oppose as equal; to compete with.
There is no passion in the mind of man so weak but it mates and masters the fear of death. Bacon. I, . . . in the way of loyalty and truth, . . . Dare mate a sounder man than Surrey can be. Shak.