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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
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, ..."
Other Resources:
