pate

UK: peɪt | US: peɪt

Definition

  1. n. the top of a person's head, especially when bald or balding (often used humorously or derogatorily)

  2. n. (archaic) the head, skull, or brain

Structure
pate <head>
Etymology

The word "pate" originates from Middle English pate, likely derived from Old French patte (meaning "paw" or "foot," but also colloquially "head"). Its humorous or informal connotation of a bald head emerged in the 16th century. The semantic shift from "paw" to "head" is unclear but may reflect playful or derogatory slang.

Examples

  1. He absentmindedly rubbed his bald pate while thinking.

  2. The monk’s shaved pate gleamed under the sunlight.

  3. (Archaic) "A blow to the pate left him dazed."

  4. The old man chuckled, tapping his wrinkled pate.

  5. The jester’s oversized hat barely covered his large pate.