pate

Meaning

Noun

• The head, particularly the top or crown.
• Wit, cleverness, cognitive abilities.
• Alternate spelling of pâté (finely-ground paste of meat, fish, etc.)
• The interior body, or non-rind portion of cheese, described by its texture, density, and color.

Origin

• From Middle English pate, of uncertain origin. Perhaps a shortened form of Old French patene or Medieval Latin patena, both from Latin patina. Alternatively, perhaps akin to Old Frisian pote.
• Attested since circa 1700, from French pâté, from Old French paste, pastée. pâté.