c. 1400, "a blow, stroke," perhaps originally imitative of the sound of patting. Meaning "light tap with hand" is from c. 1804. Sense of "that which is formed by patting" (as in pat of butter) is 1754, probably from the verb. Pat on the back in the figurative sense attested by 1804.
pat (adv.)
"aptly, suitably, at the right time," 1570s, perhaps from pat (adj.) in sense of "that which hits the mark," a special use from pat (n.) in sense of "a hitting" of the mark. The modern adjective is 1630s, from the adverb.
pat (v.)
1560s, "to hit, throw;" meaning "to tap or strike lightly" is from 1714; from pat (n.). Related: Patted; patting. The nursery rhyme phrase pat-a-cake is known from 1823. Alternative patty-cake (usually American English) is attested from 1794 (in "Mother Goose's Melody, or Sonnets for the Cradle," Worcester, Mass.).
Pat
as a fem. proper name, short for Patricia. As a masc. proper name, short for Patrick; hence a nickname for any Irishman.
例文
1. Pat was a tower of strength to our whole family.
パットは私たち家族の大黒柱です。
2. Pat refused to give her any information about Sarah.
パットはサラに関する情報の提供を拒否した。
3.If you do something well，give yourself a pat on the back.
仕事がきれいにできたとき、自分を少しほめてください。
4. Pat and I resigned ourselves to yet another summer without a boat.
私とパットは船がない中でやっと夏に間に合った。
5. "Daniel," Pat said, her voice harsh with urgency. "Come out here immediately.「