Main Entry:

¹pat

Pronunciation:

\ˈpat\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English patte, probably of imitative origin

Date:

15th century

1 : a light blow especially with the hand or a flat instrument 2 : a light tapping often rhythmical sound 3 : something (as butter) shaped into a small flat usually square individual portion

— pat on the back

: an expression of approval