Pate

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -eɪt

From Middle English (attested since around 1200), perhaps a shortened form of Old French patene or Medieval Latin patena, both from Latin patina ("pan, dish").

Full definition of pate

Noun

1. (somewhat archaic) The head, particularly the top or crown.He had a shiny, bald pate.
2. (archaic) Wit, cleverness, cognitive abilities.
• 1598, , by ShakespeareI am resolved; 'tis but a three years' fast:The mind shall banquet, though the body pine:Fat paunches have lean pates, and dainty bitsMake rich the ribs, but bankrupt quite the wits.
• 1610, , by William Shakespeare, act 4 scene 1I thank thee for that jest: here's a garmentfor't: wit shall not go unrewarded while I am king ofthis country: 'Steal by line and level,' is an excellentpass of pate: there's another garment for't.

Derived terms

• pated

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈpæt.eɪ/, /pæˈteɪ/
• Rhymes: -æteɪ, Rhymes: -eɪ

Attested since circa 1700, from French pâté, from Old French paste, pastée.

Noun

1. Alternative spelling of pâté (finely-ground paste of meat, fish, etc.)
2. The interior body, or non-rind portion of cheese, described by its texture, density, and color.

Anagrams

• peat
• Peta, PETA
• tape