why is a pair of trousers called a pair when its not two things?

Question

and a top is not called a pair and we have two arms

Answer 1

Each leg is a match

Answer 2

Originally, trousers (or trews) were made up of two separate parts, and were not sewn together but overlapped and were often fastened with a variety of fastening like buttons or toggles. Native American men also wore such a garment; it basically mean that more air circulated around the nether regions and made toilet visits easier! So you wore a pair of trews, but since then the pair has become sewn together for decency! fallout was common!

Answer 3

But they are two things - They are made of 2 parts (2 leg tubes) sewn together. Underpants (referred and written as plurals - 2 leg holes for 2 legs) or a pair of undershorts, a pair of glasses (2 lenses joined by a nose bridge)

Answer 4

Two matching legs a pair.

Answer 5

Two legs. Like a pair of scissors - two cutting parts. Confusion arises when people are told to bring a pair of compasses to exams and bring two of them.

Answer 6

Pair of legs?

Is that the same with underpants then?

they're a pair and some don't have any legs

Answer 7

it is called that because there are two legs. a pant leg or a pair of pants.

Answer 8

a pair of trousers....a pair of legs.

Answer 9

This link offers a very interesting answer to your question, if you will scroll down to where it reads, "World Wide Words: PAIR OF PANTS":

http://www.wordwizard.com/ch_forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3766

Hope this helps.

Answer 10

Well, originally they WERE two separate items - one for each leg. You put them on and buttoned or laced them together at the top.