pet

pet

pet¹ [pet]

n.

[orig. Scot dial., prob. back-form. < ME pety, small: see PETTY]

1. an animal that is tamed or domesticated and kept as a companion or treated with fondness

2. a person who is treated with particular affection or indulgence; favorite; darling

adj.

1. kept or treated as a pet [a pet duck]

2. especially liked; favorite

3. greatest; especial; particular [one's pet peeve]

4. showing fondness or affection [a pet name]

vt.

petted, petting

1. to stroke or pat gently; fondle; caress

2. to be indulgent toward; pamper

vi.

☆ Informal to kiss, embrace, fondle, etc., passionately in mutual sexual stimulation

SYN.- CARESS

petter

n.

pet² [pet]

n.

[< earlier phr. to take the pet < ?]

a state of sulky peevishness or ill humor

vi.

petted, petting

to be in a pet; sulk