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patter

1. To strike with a quick succession of slight, sharp sounds; as, pattering rain or hail; pattering feet. The stealing shower is scarce to patter heard. (Thomson)

2. To mutter; to mumble; as, to patter with the lips. [In this sense, and in the following, perh. From paternoster.

3. To talk glibly; to chatter; to harangue. I've gone out and pattered to get money. (Mayhew)

Origin: Freq. Of pat to strike gently.