Main Entry:

¹pat·ter

Pronunciation:

\ˈpa-tər\

Function:

verb

Etymology:

Middle English patren, from paternoster

Date:

14th century

transitive verb : to say or speak in a rapid or mechanical manner intransitive verb 1 : to recite prayers (as paternosters) rapidly or mechanically 2 : to talk glibly and volubly 3 : to speak or sing rapid-fire words in a theatrical performance

— pat·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun