pate

pate · noun¹

1. Latin · derived frompatina“pan, dish”
2. Medieval Latin · derived frompatena
3. Old French · derived frompatene
4. Middle English · inherited frompate
5. English todaypate

From Middle English pate, of uncertain origin. Perhaps a shortened form of Old French patene or Medieval Latin patena, both from Latin patina (“pan, dish”). Alternatively, perhaps akin to Old Frisian pote (“skull”).

pate · noun²

1. French · borrowed frompâté
2. English todaypate

Attested since circa 1700, from French pâté, from Old French paste, pastée. Doublet of pâté and patty.

Words from the same roots