petted

verbstroke, kiss

Word Origin & History

"tamed animal," originally in Scottish and northern England dialect (and exclusively so until mid-18c.), of unknown origin. Sense of "indulged child" (c.1500) is recorded slightly earlier than that of "animal kept as a favorite" (1530s), but the latter may be the primary meaning. Probably associated with or influenced by petty. As a term of endearment by 1849. Teacher's pet is attested from 1890. Pet-shop from 1928.

Example Sentences for petted

Mike had fed and watered them, Pat had combed them, and both had petted them.

Not until he reaches the porch does he allow himself to be petted.

It is much easier to be kept, dressed, and petted, than to work.

I pictured her in the provinces, beloved, petted and very happy.

They have been petted and pampered by England for more than two hundred years.

England has petted ...

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Synonyms for petted

verb stroke, kiss

petted

Synonyms for petted

Antonyms for petted