verb
pats; patted; patting
[+ obj] to lightly touch (someone or something) with your hand usually several times in order to show affection or approval or to provide comfort
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
noun
plural pats
[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
adverb
learned completely or perfectly
stand pat
US :to refuse to change your opinion or decision
adjective
disapproving :said or done without any real thought or effort to be truthful or original