pat

Multiple Entries:
  pat    Pat    Pat.  

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
pat1

▶verb (pats, patting, patted)

• 1 touch quickly and gently with the flat of the hand.

• 2 mould or position with gentle taps.

▶noun

• 1 a light stroke with the hand.

• 2 a compact mass of soft material.

– phrases
a pat on the back an expression of congratulation or encouragement.

– origin ME: prob. imitative.

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
pat2

▶adjective simple and somewhat glib or unconvincing: a pat answer. ▶adverb conveniently or opportunely.

– phrases
have something off (or down) pat have something memorized perfectly.
stand pat chiefly N. Amer.

• 1 stick stubbornly to one's opinion or decision.

• 2 (in poker and blackjack) retain one's hand as dealt.

– derivatives
patly adverb,
patness noun.

– origin C16: rel. to pat1; appar. orig. ‘as if with a pat’.

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
Pat/pat/

▶noun Brit. informal, often offensive an Irishman.

– origin C19: abbrev. of the given name Patrick.

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
Pat.

▶abbreviation Patent.