n. 1. An animal kept for enjoyment or companionship. 2. An object of the affections. 3. A person especially loved or indulged; a favorite: the teacher's pet. adj. 1. Kept as a pet: a pet cat. 2. a. Particularly cherished or indulged: a pet grandchild. b. Expressing or showing affection: a pet name. 3. Being a favorite: a pet topic. v. pet·ted, pet·ting, pets v.tr. To stroke or caress gently. See Synonyms at caress. v.intr. To stroke or fondle amorously. [Scottish Gaelic peata, tame animal, pet, from Old Irish.] petter n. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
n. A fit of bad temper or pique. intr.v. pet·ted, pet·ting, pets To be sulky and peevish. [Origin unknown.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.