adj. & adv.
adj. 1 known thoroughly and ready for any occasion. 2 apposite or opportune, esp. unconvincingly so (gave a pat answer).
adv. 1 in a pat manner. 2 appositely, opportunely. have off pat know or have memorized perfectly. stand pat esp. US 1 stick stubbornly to one's opinion or decision. 2 Poker retain one's hand as dealt; not draw other cards. patly adv. patness n.
[ 16th c.: rel. to PAT(1) ]