<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>patted</li><li>patting</li><li>to strike lightly or gently with something flat, as with a paddle or the palm of the hand, usually in order to flatten, smooth, or shape: to pat dough into flat pastry forms</li><li>to stroke or tap gently with the palm or fingers as an expression of affection, approbation, etc.</li><li>to strike (the floor, ground, etc.) with light footsteps</li><li>to walk or run with light footsteps</li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>a light stroke, tap, or blow with the palm, fingers, or a flat object</li><li>the sound of a light stroke or of light footsteps</li><li>a small piece or mass, usually flat and square, formed by patting, cutting, etc.: a pat of butter</li></ul><p><strong>Synonyms</strong></p><ul><li>dab</li><li>cake</li><li>square</li></ul>