pet 1
— pettable , adj.
/pet/ , n., adj., v., petted, petting .
n.
1. any domesticated or tamed animal that is kept as a companion and cared for affectionately.
2. a person especially cherished or indulged; favorite: He was the teacher's pet.
3. a thing particularly cherished.
adj.
4. kept or treated as a pet: a pet lamb.
5. especially cherished or indulged, as a child or other person.
6. favorite; most preferred: a pet theory.
7. showing fondness or affection: to address someone with pet words.
v.t.
8. to fondle or caress: to pet a dog.
9. to treat as a pet; indulge.
v.i.
10. Informal. to engage in amorous fondling and caressing.
[ 1500-10; (n.) perh. back formation from pet lamb cade lamb, shortened var. of petty lamb little lamb (see PETTY); (v.) deriv. of the n. ]
Syn. 8. baby, humor, pamper, favor.
pet 2
/pet/ , n.
1. a fit of peevishness, sulking, or bad mood.
v.i.
2. to be peevish; sulk.
[ 1580-90; orig. uncert.; cf. PETTISH ]