pat

I

[[t]pæt[/t]]

v. pat•ted, pat•ting, n.

1) to strike lightly, as with the hand or a small object

2) to stroke or tap gently with the palm or fingers as an expression of affection, approbation, etc

3) to strike lightly or gently

4) to walk or run with light footsteps

5) a light stroke, tap, or blow, as with the hand

6) the sound of a light stroke or of light footsteps

7) a small piece, usu. flat and square, formed by patting, cutting, etc.:

a pat of butter[/ex]

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Etymology: 1375–1425; late ME, blow, stroke II

pat

[[t]pæt[/t]] adj.

1) exactly to the point or purpose; apt; opportune

2) excessively glib; unconvincingly facile:

pat answers[/ex]

3) learned, known, or mastered perfectly or exactly:

to have something pat[/ex]

4) exactly or perfectly

5) aptly; opportunely

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- stand pat

Etymology: 1570–80; orig. adverbial use of pat I, as in obs. to hit pat to strike accurately pat′ness, n.