[pat.ter] vb [ME patren, fr. paternoster] vt (14c): to say or speak in a rapid or mechanical manner ~ vi 1: to recite prayers (as paternosters) rapidly or mechanically
2: to talk glibly and volubly
3: to speak or sing rapid-fire words in a theatrical performance -- pat.ter.er n
[2]patter n (1758) 1: a specialized lingo: cant; esp: the jargon of criminals (as thieves)
2: the spiel of a street hawker or of a circus barker
3: empty chattering talk
4. a (1): the rapid-fire talk of a comedian (2): the talk with which an entertainer accompanies a routine b: the words of a comic song or of a rapidly spoken usu. humorous monologue introduced into such a song [3]patter vb [freq. of [3]pat] vi (1611) 1: to strike or pat rapidly and repeatedly
2: to run with quick light-sounding steps ~ vt: to cause to patter [4]patter n (1844): a quick succession of light sounds or pats