Definition of Pit-a-pat

1. Adverb. As of footsteps. "He came running pit-a-pat down the hall"


2. Adverb. Describing a rhythmic beating. "His heart went pit-a-pat"

Definition of Pit-a-pat

1. Verb. To make a series of quick tapping sounds; to palpitate ¹

2. Noun. A series of quick tapping sounds ¹

3. Adverb. With a quick tapping sound ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Lexicographical Neighbors of Pit-a-pat

piston
piston chamber
piston engine
piston engines
piston pulse
piston ring
piston rings
piston rod
piston rods
pistonlike
pistons
pistou
pistous
pistrinum supper
pit
pit-a-pat (current term)
pit-a-pats
pit-adder
pit-eye
pit-run gravel
pit-yacker
pit-yackers
pit-yakkas
pit adder
pit adders
pit against
pit and fissure caries
pit and fissure sealants
pit bull
pit bull terrier

Literary usage of Pit-a-pat

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. A Dictionary of Archaic and Provincial Words, Obsolete Phrases, Proverbs by James Orchard Halliwell-Phillipps (1850)
"PIT-SAW. A large saw used in pits for cutting The second meaning is an archaism. PITTER-PATTER. To go pit-a-pat; to be»t pit. Chesh. FITTER. (1) To grieve. ..."

2. The Connecticut Magazine: An Illustrated Monthly by William Farrand Felch, George C. Atwell, H. Phelps Arms, Frances Trevelyan Miller (1906)
"pit-a-pat! When his face is averted, they seize on the chance To creep under the ... pit-a-pat! Still he heareth the beat Of their rythmical feet. Pat! ..."

3. Slang and Its Analogues Past and Present: A Dictionary, Historical and by John Stephen Farmer, William Ernest Henley (1902)
"'Twill go pit-a-pat shortly. 1690. ... Now again I hear the pit-a-pat of a pretty foot through the dark alley. 1693. ..."

4. The Universal Songster: Or, Museum of Mirth: Forming the Most Complete (1834)
"Goes pit-a-pat, pit-a-pat, pat ! And sure it's the case, I'm in love with a face, All under the gipsy hat. That she's kind as she's fair, I freely declare, ..."

5. Letters and Conversational Remarks by John Newton, John Campbell (1811)
"My heart went a little pit-a-pat when I read about your famous convention. I am thankful they are dispersed. If sin does not give success to their designs, ..."

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