1. v. & n.
--v.
1. intr. make a rapid succession of taps, as of rain on a window-pane.
2 intr. run with quick short steps.
3 tr. cause (water etc.) to patter.
--n. a rapid succession of taps, short light steps, etc.
Etymology: PAT(1) 2. n. & v.
--n.
1. a the rapid speech used by a comedian or introduced into a song. b the words of a comic song.
2 the words used by a person selling or promoting a product; a sales pitch.
3 the special language or jargon of a profession, class, etc.
--v.
1. tr. repeat (prayers etc.) in a rapid mechanical way.
2 intr. talk glibly or mechanically.
Etymology: ME f. pater PATERNOSTER