pet

Definition

An animal kept as a companion or otherwise for pleasure, rather than for some practical benefit or use.

Etymology

Originally northern dialectal, from Scots pet (“an animal that has been tamed and is kept as a pet; a darling or favourite; a petted or spoiled child”), probably from Scottish Gaelic peata (“pet, tamed animal, spoiled child”), from Middle Irish petta, peta (“pet, lap-dog”), of uncertain origin, possibly from a pre-Indo-European substrate. Compare also peat (“pet, darling, woman”), which is likely not related. The verb is derived from the noun.

Example Sentences

• "Papyrus: This is my brother's pet rock. He always forgets to feed it. As usual, I have to take responsibility."
• "At first she sat silent; but that could not last: she had resolved to make a pet of her little cousin, as she would have him to be; and she commenced stroking his curls, and kissing his cheek, and offering him tea in her saucer, like a baby."
• "the love of cronies, pets, and favourites"