[pat], (Verb)

Definitions:
- touch quickly and gently with the flat of the hand
(e.g: he patted him consolingly on the shoulder)


Phrases:
- a pat on the back
- pat someone on the back

Origin:
late Middle English (as a noun denoting a blow with something flat): probably imitative. The verb dates from the mid 16th century

[pat], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a quick, light touch with the hand
(e.g: giving him a friendly pat on the arm, she went off to join the others)

- a compact mass of soft material
(e.g: a pat of butter)


Phrases:
- a pat on the back
- pat someone on the back

Origin:
late Middle English (as a noun denoting a blow with something flat): probably imitative. The verb dates from the mid 16th century

[pat], (Adjective)

Definitions:
- simple and somewhat glib or unconvincing
(e.g: there are no pat answers to these questions)


Phrases:
- have something down pat
- stand pat

Origin:
late 16th century: related to pat; apparently originally symbolic: a frequently found early use was hit pat (i.e. hit as if with flat blow)

[pat], (Adverb)

Definitions:
- at exactly the right moment or in the right way; very conveniently or opportunely
(e.g: the happy ending came rather pat)


Phrases:
- have something down pat
- stand pat

Origin:
late 16th century: related to pat; apparently originally symbolic: a frequently found early use was hit pat (i.e. hit as if with flat blow)

[pat], (Noun)

Definitions:
- an Irishman (often as a form of address)


Phrases:

Origin:
early 19th century: abbreviation of the male given name Patrick