pet¹ (pĕt)
n.

1. An animal kept for amusement 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. 1. Particularly cherished or indulged: a pet grandchild.
   2. 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; pat. See synonyms at caress.

v.intr. Informal
To make love by fondling and caressing.

[Scottish Gaelic peata, tame animal, pet, from Old Irish.]

petter pet'ter n.

pet² (pĕt)
n.
A fit of bad temper or pique.

intr.v., pet·ted, pet·ting, pets.
To be sulky and peevish.

[Origin unknown.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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