Petter

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Someone who strokes, fondles, or affectionately caresses an animal or another person
2. A person who gently strokes or handles an animal to show affection
3. One who makes a habit of stroking or caressing animals or people in a soothing way

Etymology: "Petter" is formed from "pet" with the agent suffix "-er," so it names one who pets, in this case someone who strokes or fondles animals. The verb "pet" is the older base here, and the suffix simply turns the action into a doer. The source also points to a second possible influence: the word may be onomatopoeic, imitating a light, repeated tapping, and so it may be related to "patter." Because "pet" and "patter" share that gentle, rhythmic quality of sound, the two may have reinforced each other. This link is only a possibility, so it is best read as a suggestion about the sound's feel rather than a firmly proven ancestry.