‖n.; pl.Pateræ(&unr_;). [ L., fr. patere to lie open. ] 1. A saucerlike vessel of earthenware or metal, used by the Greeks and Romans in libations and sacrifices. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. (Arch.) A circular ornament, resembling a dish, often worked in relief on friezes, and the like. [ 1913 Webster ]