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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Pattern

Păt'tern, n.

noun

n. [Fr. patron, patron and pattern; D. pat'roon. See PATRON.]

Sense 1. An original or model proposed for imitation; the archetype; an exemplar; that which is to be copied or imitated, either in things or in actions; as, the pattern of a machine.

Sense 2. A part showing the figure or quality of the whole; a specimen; a sample; an instance; an example.

Sense 3. A quantity of cloth sufficient for a garment; as, a dress pattern.

Sense 4. Figure or style of ornamental execution; as, chintz of a beautiful pattern.

Sense 5. Any thing cut or formed to serve as a guide in cutting or forming like objects; especially, (Found-ing.) A full-sized model around which a mold of sand is made, to receive the melted metal.

‡‡ Patterns are usually made of wood, and in several parts, so as to be removed from the mold without injuring it.

Păt'tern, v. t.

verbtransitive

v. t. [imp. & p. p. PATTERNED; p. pr. & vb. n. PATTERNING.]

Sense 1. To make an imitation of some model; to copy. Judge whether that king's reign be a fit time from whence to pattern out the constitution of a church discipline. Milton.

Sense 2. To serve as an example to be followed.

To pattern after, to imitate; to follow.