Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun In costume, a narrow band of stuff applied to a garment, whether for utility, as when it retains in place a belt or sash, or for mere decoration. Pattes are sometimes used to set off a rich application of any sort, as a jewel.
  • noun A small strap or band used in tailoring and dressmaking for holding together two parts of a garment which just meet and do not overlap. The patte may have a button at each end, or a button and a buttonhole, etc.
  • noun Cleverness; skill in execution; genius.

Etymologies

Sorry, no etymologies found.

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Examples

  • Still, what the French call "patte" - that elusive quality that makes an artist's work instantly identifiable - was always there, from the earliest sketch in the show, a 1949 doodling on the back of an envelope.

    SFGate: Don Asmussen: Bad Reporter By JENNY BARCHFIELD 2011

  • Still, what the French call "patte" - that elusive quality that makes an artist's work instantly identifiable - was always there, from the earliest sketch in the show, a 1949 doodling on the back of an envelope.

    The Seattle Times 2011

  • * The bamboo-like reeds were broken in bits along the ground and one of these bits got stuck, painfully, between the "fingers" of the dog's patte.

    mise en bouteille / wine bottling 2009

  • * The bamboo-like reeds were broken in bits along the ground and one of these bits got stuck, painfully, between the "fingers" of the dog's patte.

    Remedies 2009

  • Do I need a choke for a tighter patte | Field & Stream

    I'm shooting a semi auto rem 1100 12 gauge. but the quail are totally whippin me out here! 2009

  • Elle a l'air bien penaude dans son manteau "cinquième-patte"

    French Word-A-Day: 2010

  • Elle a l'air bien penaude dans son manteau "cinquième-patte"

    ebouriffe - French Word-A-Day 2010

  • * The bamboo-like reeds were broken in bits along the ground and one of these bits got stuck, painfully, between the "fingers" of the dog's patte.

    Smokey 2010

  • Symbolise l'amour des arts .... sa feuille ressemble à une patte d'ours ...

    droguerie - French Word-A-Day 2008

  • Symbolise l'amour des arts .... sa feuille ressemble à une patte d'ours ...

    droguerie - French Word-A-Day 2008

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