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pat

1 pat /ˈpæt/ verb
pats; patted; patting
1 pat
/ˈpæt/
verb
pats; patted; patting
Britannica Dictionary definition of PAT
[+ object]
: to lightly touch (someone or something) with your hand usually several times in order to show affection or approval or to provide comfort
often + on
: to flatten, smooth, or shape (something) by lightly pressing on it with your hand
: to lightly press (something) several times until it is dry

pat down

[phrasal verb]
pat (someone) down or pat down (someone) US
: to move your hands over (someone) in order to search for something (such as a weapon) that may be hidden in clothing

pat (someone) on the back

: to praise or give credit to (someone) for doing good work
2 pat /ˈpæt/ noun
plural pats
2 pat
/ˈpæt/
noun
plural pats
Britannica Dictionary definition of PAT
[count]
: an act of lightly touching someone or something with your hand to show affection or approval
: a small, flat, usually square piece of something (such as butter)

a pat on the back

informal
: a show of praise or approval
3 pat /ˈpæt/ adverb
3 pat
/ˈpæt/
adverb
Britannica Dictionary definition of PAT
: learned completely or perfectly

stand pat

US
: to refuse to change your opinion or decision
4 pat /ˈpæt/ adjective
4 pat
/ˈpæt/
adjective
Britannica Dictionary definition of PAT
disapproving
: said or done without any real thought or effort to be truthful or original