1. v. & n.
--v. (patted, patting)
1. tr. strike gently with the hand or a flat surface.
2 tr. flatten or mould by patting.
3 tr. strike gently with the inner surface of the hand, esp. as a sign of affection, sympathy, or congratulation.
4 intr. (foll. by on, upon) beat lightly.
--n.
1. a light stroke or tap, esp. with the hand in affection etc.
2 the sound made by this.
3 a small mass (esp. of butter) formed by patting.
Phrases and idioms:
pat-a-cake a child's game with the patting of hands (the first words of a nursery rhyme). pat on the back a gesture of approval or congratulation. pat a person on the back congratulate a person.
Etymology: ME, prob. imit. 2. 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.
Phrases and idioms:
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.
Derivatives:
patly adv. patness n.
Etymology: 16th c.: rel. to PAT(1) 3. n.Phrases and idioms:
on one's pat Austral. sl. on one's own.
Etymology: Pat Malone, rhyming slang for own