pat-a-cake

[pat-uh-keyk] /ˈpæt əˌkeɪk/

noun

a children's game in which a child claps hands alone and with another child while chanting a nursery rhyme.

Also, patty-cake.

Origin of pat-a-cake

1870-1875

First recorded in 1870-75; after the opening words of a rhyme that accompanies such play

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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2017.
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Examples from the Web for pat-a-cake

Historical Examples

Even baby has its "pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake," and is lulled to sleep with visions of a coach and six little ponies.

Trifles for the Christmas Holidays H. S. Armstrong
Barby stooped to take the little terrier's head between her hands and pat-a-cake it back and forth with an affectionate caress.

Georgina of the Rainbows Annie Fellows Johnston

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