[neat] n, pl neat or neats [ME neet, fr. OE neat; akin to OHG noz head of cattle, OE neotan to make use of, Lith nauda use] (bef. 12c): the common domestic bovine (Bos taurus)
[2]neat adj [MF net, fr. L nitidus bright, neat, fr. nitere to shine; prob. akin to MIr niam luster] (1542) 1: free from dirt and disorder: habitually clean and orderly
2. a: free from admixture or dilution: straight "~ brandy" "~ cement" b: free from irregularity: smooth "~ silk"
3: marked by tasteful simplicity "a ~ outfit"
4. a: precise, systematic b: marked by skill or ingenuity: adroit
5: net "~ profit"
6: fine, admirable -- neat.ly adv -- neat.ness n [3]neat adv (1649): without admixture or dilution: straight