Matched (5)
'matched' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for paired that I've seen before include "'Coupled, matched (6)'" , "Were mates" .)
(Other definitions for equal that I've seen before include "The same; even" , "What Orwell's animals were" , "On a par" , "Like revolting farm animals" , "The same in all aspects" .)