Pat

a. [Cf. Scot. pat, imp. of put, ponere, Ger. pasz, D. pas and pat, v. t. See infra.] Exactly suitable either as to time, place, or purpose; fit; convenient. [Colloq.] “Pat allusion.” Barrow.

adv. Precisely at the proper time; seasonably; fitly; conveniently; apropos. I foresaw then 'twould come in pat hereafter. Sterne.

n. [See infra.] 1. A light, quick blow, or stroke, with the fingers or hand. 2. A small mass which is beat into shape by pats. It looked like a tessellated work of pats of butter. Dickens.

n. A name given to the Irish in the United States, individually or collectively, from Patrick, a common name among them, or St. Patrick, their patron saint.

v. t. [imp. & p. p. PATTED; p. pr. & vb. n. PATTING.] [Cf. H. Ger. patschen, Prov. Ger. patzen, to strike, tap, and Eng. BAT.] To strike gently with the fingers or hand; to tap. Gay pats my shoulder, and you vanish quite. Pope.