pat

1
[ pat ]
/ pæt /

verb (used with object), pat·ted, pat·ting.

verb (used without object), pat·ted, pat·ting.

to strike lightly or gently.
to walk or run with light footsteps.

noun

Idioms for pat

Origin of pat

1
1375–1425; late Middle English pat blow, stroke, apparently of expressive orig.

OTHER WORDS FROM pat

un·pat·ted, adjective

British Dictionary definitions for pat on the back (1 of 4)

pat 1
/ (pæt) /

verb pats, patting or patted

noun

Word Origin for pat

C14: perhaps imitative

British Dictionary definitions for pat on the back (2 of 4)

pat 2
/ (pæt) /

adverb

Also: off pat exactly or fluently memorized or mastered he recited it pat
opportunely or aptly
stand pat
  1. mainly US and Canadian to refuse to abandon a belief, decision, etc
  2. (in poker, etc) to play without adding new cards to the hand dealt

adjective

exactly right for the occasion; apt a pat reply
too exactly fitting; glib a pat answer to a difficult problem
exactly right a pat hand in poker

Word Origin for pat

C17: perhaps adverbial use (``with a light stroke'') of pat 1

British Dictionary definitions for pat on the back (3 of 4)

pat 3
/ (pæt) /

noun

on one's pat Australian informal alone; on one's own

Word Origin for pat

C20: rhyming slang, from Pat Malone

British Dictionary definitions for pat on the back (4 of 4)

Pat
/ (pæt) /

noun

an informal name for an Irishman

Word Origin for Pat

from Patrick

Idioms and Phrases with pat on the back (1 of 2)

pat on the back

A word or gesture of support, approval, or praise, as in The bonus she gave her assistant was a pat on the back for doing a good job. [Early 1800s]

Idioms and Phrases with pat on the back (2 of 2)

pat