Pets

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /pɛts/

Definitions

1. Animals such as cats or dogs that people keep at home for company and enjoyment
2. Creatures raised and cared for primarily to provide companionship to humans
3. Domesticated animals maintained chiefly for affectionate relationships rather than utility

Etymology: "Pets" is simply the plural of "pet," so the story belongs to the singular. The noun first appeared in northern English dialect, borrowed from Scots "pet," meaning a tamed animal kept at home, a darling, or a spoiled child. That Scots word probably came from Scottish Gaelic "peata," which in turn traces back to Middle Irish "petta" or "peta," meaning a lap-dog or tamed animal. Its ultimate origin is uncertain and may reach back to a language spoken in Britain before the Indo-European arrivals. The same root carries a second, quieter note. The Scots word for a darling or favourite fed into the sense of a person who is cosseted and indulged, which is why a "pet" can be a favourite as well as a creature. The verb "to pet," meaning to stroke or fondle an animal, was formed from the noun, so the affectionate handling of animals came after the animals themselves had been named.

Synonyms: animals, companions, domestics, creatures, critters