v. & n.
—v.
1 intr. make a rapid succession of taps, as of rain on a window-pane.
2 intr. run with quick short steps.
3 tr. cause (water etc.) to patter.
—n. a rapid succession of taps, short light steps, etc.
Etymology: PAT(1)
2.
n. & v.
—n.
1 a the rapid speech used by a comedian or introduced into a song. b the words of a comic song.
2 the words used by a person selling or promoting a product; a sales pitch.
3 the special language or jargon of a profession, class, etc.
—v.
1 tr. repeat (prayers etc.) in a rapid mechanical way.
2 intr. talk glibly or mechanically.
Etymology: ME f. pater = PATERNOSTER
Useful english dictionary. 2012.