I. ˈpa-tər verb
Etymology: Middle English patren, from paternoster
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
: to say or speak in a rapid or mechanical manner
intransitive verb
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 -tər-ər noun
II. noun
Date: 1758
1. : a specialized lingo : cant ; especially : 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 usually humorous monologue introduced into such a song
III. verb
Etymology: frequentative of pat (III)
Date: 1611
intransitive verb
1. : to strike or pat rapidly and repeatedly
2. : to run with quick light-sounding steps
transitive verb
: to cause to patter
IV. noun
Date: 1844
: a quick succession of light sounds or pats