(pat) v. pat·ted, pat·ting v.t.
1. To touch or tap lightly with something flat, especially with the hand in caressing, soothing, etc.
2. To shape or mold by a pat or pats.
3. To strike or tap with lightly sounding steps, as in running.
—v.i.
4. To tap or strike gently.
5. To run or walk with light steps.
—noun
1. A light, caressing stroke; a gentle tap.
2. The sound of patting or pattering.
3. A small, molded mass, as of butter.
—adjective
1. Exactly suitable in time or place; fitting; apt.
2. Formulated in a customary way without much thought; too neat; facile: a pat response to a complex question.
3. Satisfactory; needing no change: a pat hand in a card game.
—adverb
1. Firm; steadfast: to stand pat.
2. In a fit or convenient manner; aptly; also, perfectly; unforgettably: to know one's lesson pat. [ME patte; prob. imit.]
—pat′ness noun
—pat′ter noun

(pat) noun Scot.
A pot.