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