Petters

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. People who stroke or fondle animals affectionately ; small engines of the kind manufactured by the Petters company
2. Those who caress or cuddle animals for comfort ; compact engines produced under the Petters brand name
3. Individuals who fondle animals gently ; small machines powered by engines built by the Petters firm

Etymology: "Petters" is the plural of "petter", a noun for a person who strokes or fondles animals. The word is built from "pet", the verb meaning to stroke or caress, with the suffix "-er" added to name the one doing the action. A "petter" is therefore simply someone who pets, and the plural refers to a group of such people. The base verb "pet" is itself a little uncertain in origin, but the word "petters" is clearly a formation on "pet" plus "-er," which is why it reads so plainly. Its sound is also thought to echo "patter," a word for light, rapid tapping, which fits the gentle, repeated motion of patting an animal.