Patness

pat ¹  (pt)

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.

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

A word or gesture of praise or approval: received a pat on the back for doing a good job.

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[From Middle English, a blow, perhaps of imitative origin.]

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pat ²  (pt)

adj.

1. Trite or glib; superficially complete or satisfactory: A pat answer is not going to satisfy an inquisitive audience.

2.

a. Timely or opportune.

b. Suitable; fitting.

3. Games Being a poker hand that is strong enough to make drawing cards unlikely to improve it.

adv. Informal

Completely, exactly, or perfectly: They've got the system down pat. He has the lesson pat.

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[From pat.]

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patly adv.

patness n.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

patness - timely convenience opportuneness, timeliness convenience - the quality of being useful and convenient; "they offered the convenience of an installment plan"