See also: pat on the back

English edit

Alternative forms edit

Noun edit

pat-on-the-back (plural pats-on-the-back)

  1. Alternative form of pat on the back
    "A self-congratulatory apparatus having a simulated human hand carried on a pivoting arm suspended form shoulder supported member. The hand is manually swingable into and out of contact with the user's back to give an amusing or an important pat-on-the-back." (Abstract of U.S. patent 4,608,967 issued on September 2, 1986 [1])