n., adj., & v.
—n.
1 a domestic or tamed animal kept for pleasure or companionship.
2 a darling, a favourite (often as a term of endearment).
—attrib.adj.
1 kept as a pet (pet lamb).
2 of or for pet animals (pet food).
3 often joc. favourite or particular (pet aversion).
4 expressing fondness or familiarity (pet name).
—v.tr. (petted, petting)
1 treat as a pet.
2 (also absol.) fondle, esp. erotically.
Derivatives:
petter n.
Etymology: 16th-c. Sc. & N.Engl. dial.: orig. unkn.
2.
n. a feeling of petty resentment or ill-humour (esp. be in a pet).
Etymology: 16th c.: orig. unkn.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.