Parity \Par"i*ty\, n. [L. paritas, fr. par, paris, equal: cf. F. parit['e]. See Pair, Peer an equal.]

The quality or condition of being equal or equivalent; A like state or degree; equality; close correspondence; analogy; as, parity of reasoning. ``No parity of principle.'' --De Quincey.

Equality of length and parity of numeration. --Sir T. Browne.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)