patter

verb pat·ter \ ˈpa-tər \

Definition of patter

transitive verb

: to say or speak in a rapid or mechanical manner

intransitive verb

1 : to recite prayers (such as paternosters) rapidly or mechanically

2 : to talk glibly and volubly

3 : to speak or sing rapid-fire words in a theatrical performance

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patterer

play \ˈpa-tər-ər\ noun

Origin and Etymology of patter

Middle English patren, from paternoster

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First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense

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patter

noun

Definition of patter

1 : a specialized lingo : cant; especially : the jargon of criminals (such as thieves)

2 : the spiel of a street hawker or of a circus barker

3 : empty chattering talk

4 a (1) : the rapid-fire talk of a comedian

(2) : the talk with which an entertainer accompanies a routine

b : the words of a comic song or of a rapidly spoken usually humorous monologue introduced into such a song

First Known Use of patter

1758

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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patter

verb

Definition of patter

intransitive verb

1 : to strike or pat rapidly and repeatedly

2 : to run with quick light-sounding steps

transitive verb

: to cause to patter

Origin and Etymology of patter

frequentative of ³pat

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First Known Use: 1611

in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

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patter

noun

Definition of patter

: a quick succession of light sounds or pats

First Known Use of patter

1822

in the meaning defined above

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PATTER Defined for Kids

patter

verb pat·ter \ ˈpa-tər \

Definition of patter for Students

pattered; pattering

1 : to strike again and again with light blows

We could hear rain pattering on the roof.

2 : to run with quick light steps

patter

noun

Definition of patter for Students

: a series of quick light sounds

We heard the patter of little feet.

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See words that rhyme with patter Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for patter Spanish Central: Translation of patter Nglish: Translation of patter for Spanish speakers

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patter

Definition of patter

patterer

Origin and Etymology of patter

patter

Definition of patter

First Known Use of patter

patter

Definition of patter

Origin and Etymology of patter

patter

Definition of patter

First Known Use of patter

PATTER Defined for Kids

patter

Definition of patter for Students

patter

Definition of patter for Students

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