pate

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /peɪt/
• Rhymes: -eɪt

Noun

pate (plural pates)

1. (somewhat archaic) The head, particularly the top or crown.

   He had a shiny, bald pate.

2. (archaic) Wit, cleverness, cognitive abilities.
   • 1598, Love's Labour's Lost, by Shakespeare

     I am resolved; 'tis but a three years' fast:

     The mind shall banquet, though the body pine:

     Fat paunches have lean pates, and dainty bits

     Make rich the ribs, but bankrupt quite the wits.

   • 1610, The Tempest, by Shakespeare, act 4 scene 1

     I thank thee for that jest: here's a garment

     for't: wit shall not go unrewarded while I am king of

     this country: 'Steal by line and level,' is an excellent

     pass of pate: there's another garment for't.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈpæt.eɪ/, /pæˈteɪ/
• Rhymes: -æteɪ, -eɪ

Noun

pate (plural pates)

1. Alternative spelling of pâté (finely-ground paste of meat, fish, etc.)
2. The interior body, or non-rind portion of cheese, described by its texture, density, and color.

Inflection