pet
UK[pɛt]US[pɛt]
n
A tame animal kept for companionship or pleasure.
n
A person treated with particular favor or affection.
v
To stroke or pat gently, especially as a sign of affection.
v
To treat someone with excessive indulgence or favoritism.
Etymology
The word 'pet' emerged in the early 16th century, originally referring to a lamb or other animal raised by hand. Its origin is uncertain but it is likely related to the Scottish Gaelic word 'peata', meaning 'tame animal'. The sense of a favorite or indulged child arose in the same century, with the verb meaning 'to treat as a pet' following soon after. The core concept has consistently revolved around the ideas of smallness, domesticity, and special favor, evolving from a term for a hand-reared animal to its modern meanings of a companion animal or a cherished person.
Analysis
The word 'pet' is a simplex word of Scottish and northern English dialect origin. It is not productively formed from smaller, meaningful morphemes in modern English.
Examples
She has a rabbit as a pet.
The teacher was accused of having a pet student.
He sat on the sofa, petting the cat on his lap.