pare

To remove the outer covering or skin of something with a cutting device, typically a knife.

Victor pared some apples in preparation to make a tart.

To reduce, diminish or trim gradually something as if by cutting off.

Albert had to pare his options down by disregarding anything beyond his meager budget.

Also referring to the deeds of certain Border Ruffians, he said, rapidly paring away his speech, like an experienced soldier, keeping a reserve of force and meaning, “They had a perfect right to be hung.”

To trim the hoof of a horse.

To sharpen a pencil.

A Bantu language spoken in Tanzania.