petn.[Formerly peat, perhaps from Ir. peat, akin to Gael. peata.]1. A cade lamb; a lamb brought up by hand.()2. Any person especially cherished and indulged; a fondling; a darling; often, a favorite child.()The love of cronies, pets, and favorites. (Tatler.)[Prob. fr. Pet a fondling, hence, the behavior or humor of a spoiled child.]3. A slight fit of peevishness or fretfulness.(Tennyson.)4. Any animal kept as a companion, usually in or around one's home, typically domesticated and cared for attentively and often affectionately. Distinguished from animals raised for food or to perform useful tasks, as a draft animal.()a. Petted; indulged; admired; cherished; as, a pet child; a pet lamb; a pet theory; a pet animal.()Some young lady's pet curate. (F. Harrison.)Pet cock. [Perh. for petty cock.] (Mach.) A little faucet in a water pipe or pump, to let air out, or at the end of a steam cylinder, to drain it.()v. t. To treat as a pet; to fondle; to indulge; as, she was petted and spoiled.()v. i. To be a pet.(Feltham.)