patly


pat 1

P0105800 (păt)v. pat·ted, pat·ting, pats v.tr.1. a. To tap gently with the open hand or with something flat.b. To stroke lightly as a gesture of affection. See Synonyms at caress.2. To mold by tapping gently with the hands or a flat implement.v.intr.1. To run or walk with a tapping sound.2. To hit something or against something gently or lightly.n.1. A light gentle stroke or tap.2. The sound made by a light stroke or tap or by light footsteps.3. A small mass shaped by or as if by patting: a pat of butter.Idiom: pat on the back An expression or gesture of praise or approval: Let's give them a pat on the back for doing a good job.
[From Middle English, a blow, perhaps of imitative origin.]

pat 2

P0105800 (păt)adj.1. a. Suitable; fitting: "Suggestions about her reasons for going are made indirectly, lightly and ambiguously; no pat explanation is offered" (Janna Malamud Smith).b. Fitting or satisfactory in a superficial or contrived way, especially in being trite or glib: "The dialogue is sometimes stilted and the ending too pat" (Leonard Malkin).2. Games Being a poker hand that is strong enough to make drawing cards unlikely to improve it.adv. Informal Readily or perfectly as a result of memorization or familiarization: They've got the system down pat. He has the lesson pat.
[From pat.]
pat′ly adv.pat′ness n.

PAT

abbr. point after touchdown

patly

(ˈpætlɪ) advin an appropriate manner; fitly