[pat-doun] 
| an act or instance of passing the hands over the body of a clothed person to detect concealed weapons, drugs, etc.; frisking. |
[pat] verb, pat⋅ted, pat⋅ting, noun | 1. | 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. |
| 2. | to stroke or tap gently with the palm or fingers as an expression of affection, approbation, etc. |
| 3. | to strike (the floor, ground, etc.) with light footsteps. |
| 4. | to strike lightly or gently. |
| 5. | to walk or run with light footsteps. |
| 6. | a light stroke, tap, or blow with the palm, fingers, or a flat object. |
| 7. | the sound of a light stroke or of light footsteps. |
| 8. | a small piece or mass, usually flat and square, formed by patting, cutting, etc.: a pat of butter. |
| 9. | a pat on the back, a word of praise, congratulations, or encouragement: Everyone needs a pat on the back now and then. |
| 10. | pat down, to pat or pass the hands over the body of (a clothed person) to detect concealed weapons, drugs, etc. |
| 11. | pat on the back, to praise, congratulate, or encourage: The boss patted him on the back for the deal he made yesterday. |