(pär) noun
1. Equality of value; equivalence; parity; specifically, equality between nominal and actual value. Shares of stock are said to be at (or up to) par when exchangeable at face value in money, above par when the market price is greater, and below par when less than the nominal value.
2. An accepted standard with which to compare variations.
3. In golf, the number of strokes allotted to a round or hole on the basis of faultless play.
—mint par The reduction of the monetary unit of one country to expression in terms of that of another: also par of exchange.
—on a par On a level. [<L, equal]

Per-: used in a few words from French: pardoner. [<F <L per- <per through]