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Explore the Words
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phrasal verban English verb followed by one or more particles where the combination behaves as a syntactic and semantic unitThe
phrasal verb pat down then became a noun, pat-down, to refer to a specific instance of frisking. -
phrasalof or relating to or functioning as a phraseThe
phrasal verb pat down then became a noun, pat-down, to refer to a specific instance of frisking. -
caseworkclose sociological study of a maladjusted person or family for diagnosis and treatmentBoth frisk and pat-down moved from slang to official usage, particularly after the terms were enshrined in legal
casework such as the 1968 Supreme Court case Terry v. -
frisksearch by running the hands rapidly over the clothingBefore the pat-down, there was the
frisk. -
TSAan agency established in 2001 to safeguard United States transportation systems and insure safe air travelWhile the
TSA faces backlash against these so-called "enhanced pat-downs" (an unfortunate term reminiscent of "enhanced interrogation techniques" at Guantanamo), plain-old pat-downs have been part of the lexicon of law enforcement for decades. -
pathit lightlyThe outrage over new security procedures enforced by the Transportation Security Administration has thrust the word
pat-down into the news. -
Transportation Security Administrationan agency established in 2001 to safeguard United States transportation systems and insure safe air travelThe outrage over new security procedures enforced by the
Transportation Security Administration has thrust the word pat-down into the news. -
shotgun shella shell containing lead shot; used in shotgunsAppellate Rep. 2nd Ser. 222 345 The officer, in making a cursory search or 'pat down' of King for weapons, found two
shotgun shells in his pocket. -
friskingthe act of searching someone for concealed weapons or illegal drugsThough most of this cant never moved beyond the world of thieves,
frisking entered mainstream usage, eventually becoming a standard term in American law enforcement for searches of suspects' outer garments for weapons or other items concealed underneath. -
billfolda pocket-sized case for holding paper moneyHe said he was facing the wall with his back to the officers and that he didn't know which one had "patted him down" and searched his
billfold.1948 New York Amsterdam News 10 July 25/3 The $10 was taken from him when he was "patted down" by the police on the original arrest, he said.
1949 Baltimore Afro-American 10 Dec. 4/4 If you drive a new car, especially one of the higher-priced models, you're fair game for Philly police who pat you down like a common criminal even before...
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Oxford English Dictionaryan unabridged dictionary constructed on historical principlesThe
Oxford English Dictionary includes this expression in its latest online revision of the entry for pat, with citations back to 1953. -
slang terminformal language consisting of words and expressions that are not considered appropriate for formal occasions; often vituperative or vulgarIn the mid-20th century, a new
slang term emerged in the U.S. for frisking: "patting someone down." -
Oxford Englishthe dialect of English spoken at Oxford University and regarded by many as affected and pretentiousThe
Oxford English Dictionary includes this expression in its latest online revision of the entry for pat, with citations back to 1953. -
Afro-Americanan American whose ancestors were born in AfricaHere are five examples from the 1940s:
1943 Atlanta Daily World 17 Mar. 6/2 Officer Nash said he patted Wilson down, searching for a weapon and found a big 45-calibre pistol.
1948 Baltimore
Afro-American 20 Mar. 2/6 "Then they patted us down to see if we were armed," Miss Mack stated.1948 Atlanta Daily World 2 July 5/2 Blaine stated that he raised his hands while office Bryant "patted him down."
-
put-downa crushing remarkIf you're let down (disappointed), it's a letdown; if you're knocked down (laid out in a fight), it's a knock-down; if you're put down (insulted), it's a
put-down. -
enhanceincreaseWhile the TSA faces backlash against these so-called "
enhanced pat-downs" (an unfortunate term reminiscent of "enhanced interrogation techniques" at Guantanamo), plain-old pat-downs have been part of the lexicon of law enforcement for decades. -
enhancedincreased or intensified in value or beauty or qualityWhile the TSA faces backlash against these so-called "
enhanced pat-downs" (an unfortunate term reminiscent of "enhanced interrogation techniques" at Guantanamo), plain-old pat-downs have been part of the lexicon of law enforcement for decades. -
snitchgive away information about somebodyElsewhere, Parker includes frisk as a noun:
You'd
snitch upon us, and soon have the traps, and fix us, in putting a lap-feeder in our sack, that you or your blowen had prig'd yourselves, though we should stand the frisk for it. -
knock-downstrong enough to knock down or overwhelmIf you're let down (disappointed), it's a letdown; if you're knocked down (laid out in a fight), it's a
knock-down; if you're put down (insulted), it's a put-down. -
Guantanamoa city in southeastern CubaWhile the TSA faces backlash against these so-called "enhanced pat-downs" (an unfortunate term reminiscent of "enhanced interrogation techniques" at
Guantanamo), plain-old pat-downs have been part of the lexicon of law enforcement for decades. -
Afroa rounded thickly curled hairdoHere are five examples from the 1940s:
1943 Atlanta Daily World 17 Mar. 6/2 Officer Nash said he patted Wilson down, searching for a weapon and found a big 45-calibre pistol.
1948 Baltimore
Afro-American 20 Mar. 2/6 "Then they patted us down to see if we were armed," Miss Mack stated.1948 Atlanta Daily World 2 July 5/2 Blaine stated that he raised his hands while office Bryant "patted him down."
-
invasivegradually intrusive without right or permissionThe TSA's "pat-down procedures" don't require suspicion of a crime in accordance with the Fourth Amendment, which is one reason why critics find the pat-downs of law-abiding travelers to be unnecessarily
invasive. -
outer garmenta garment worn over other garmentsThough most of this cant never moved beyond the world of thieves, frisking entered mainstream usage, eventually becoming a standard term in American law enforcement for searches of suspects'
outer garments for weapons or other items concealed underneath. -
letdowna feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realizedIf you're let down (disappointed), it's a
letdown; if you're knocked down (laid out in a fight), it's a knock-down; if you're put down (insulted), it's a put-down. -
law enforcementensuring obedience to the lawsWhile the TSA faces backlash against these so-called "enhanced pat-downs" (an unfortunate term reminiscent of "enhanced interrogation techniques" at Guantanamo), plain-old pat-downs have been part of the lexicon of
law enforcement for decades. -
enshrineenclose in a place of worshipBoth frisk and pat-down moved from slang to official usage, particularly after the terms were
enshrined in legal casework such as the 1968 Supreme Court case Terry v. -
feederan outdoor device that supplies food for wild birdsElsewhere, Parker includes frisk as a noun:
You'd snitch upon us, and soon have the traps, and fix us, in putting a lap-
feeder in our sack, that you or your blowen had prig'd yourselves, though we should stand the frisk for it. -
tweeta weak chirping sound as of a small birdTSAgov has also made the Guantanamo parallel more explicit by
tweeting about "enhanced rubbing techniques." -
OEDan unabridged dictionary constructed on historical principlesThe earliest
OED citation is a court case from 1964:1964 Calif.
-
citationan official award usually given as formal public statementThe Oxford English Dictionary includes this expression in its latest online revision of the entry for pat, with
citations back to 1953. -
fair gamea person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influenceHe said he was facing the wall with his back to the officers and that he didn't know which one had "patted him down" and searched his billfold.
1948 New York Amsterdam News 10 July 25/3 The $10 was taken from him when he was "patted down" by the police on the original arrest, he said.
1949 Baltimore Afro-American 10 Dec. 4/4 If you drive a new car, especially one of the higher-priced models, you're
fair game for Philly police who pat you down like a common criminal even before... -
holiday seasona time when many people take holidaysThe way things are going this
holiday season, travelers will be thinking up many more sarcastic alternatives to the pat-down as they navigate the brave new world of airport security
-
twittermake high-pitched sounds, as of birdsOn
Twitter, these jibes have often been assigned the hashtag #TSASlogans. -
nouna content word referring to a person, place, thing or actionFrisk is remarkably old, as both a verb and a
noun referring to the act of searching for a weapon or contraband by passing hands over the body of a clothed person. -
appellateof or relating to or taking account of appealsAppellate Rep. 2nd Ser. 222 345 The officer, in making a cursory search or 'pat down' of King for weapons, found two shotgun shells in his pocket.
-
databasean organized body of related informationWe can extend that back another decade, thanks to the availability of historical African-American newspapers in the ProQuest digitized
database. -
jibeshift from one side of the ship to the otherOn Twitter, these
jibes have often been assigned the hashtag #TSASlogans. -
glossaryan alphabetical list of technical terms in a fieldGeorge Parker's 1789 book Life's Painter includes an extensive
glossary of "cant" (the language of the underworld), and frisk is included:Frisk'd.
-
canta slope in the turn of a road or trackGeorge Parker's 1789 book Life's Painter includes an extensive glossary of "
cant" (the language of the underworld), and frisk is included:Frisk'd.
-
slanginformal language that is inappropriate for formal occasionsIn the mid-20th century, a new
slang term emerged in the U.S. for frisking: "patting someone down." -
fakesomething that is a counterfeit; not what it seems to beOne such
fake slogan, from the fake Twitter account TSAgov, is: "It's not a grope. -
think updevise or inventThe way things are going this holiday season, travelers will be
thinking up many more sarcastic alternatives to the pat-down as they navigate the brave new world of airport security
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downspatially or metaphorically from a higher to a lower levelThe outrage over new security procedures enforced by the Transportation Security Administration has thrust the word pat-
down into the news. -
lexicona reference book containing an alphabetical list of wordsWhile the TSA faces backlash against these so-called "enhanced pat-downs" (an unfortunate term reminiscent of "enhanced interrogation techniques" at Guantanamo), plain-old pat-downs have been part of the
lexicon of law enforcement for decades. -
cursoryhasty and without attention to detail; not thoroughAppellate Rep. 2nd Ser. 222 345 The officer, in making a
cursory search or 'pat down' of King for weapons, found two shotgun shells in his pocket. -
law-abidingadhering strictly to laws and rules and customsThe TSA's "pat-down procedures" don't require suspicion of a crime in accordance with the Fourth Amendment, which is one reason why critics find the pat-downs of
law-abiding travelers to be unnecessarily invasive. -
backlasha movement away from an impactWhile the TSA faces
backlash against these so-called "enhanced pat-downs" (an unfortunate term reminiscent of "enhanced interrogation techniques" at Guantanamo), plain-old pat-downs have been part of the lexicon of law enforcement for decades. -
1940sthe decade from 1940 to 1949Here are five examples from the
1940s:1943 Atlanta Daily World 17 Mar. 6/2 Officer Nash said he patted Wilson down, searching for a weapon and found a big 45-calibre pistol.
1948 Baltimore Afro-American 20 Mar. 2/6 "Then they patted us down to see if we were armed," Miss Mack stated.
1948 Atlanta Daily World 2 July 5/2 Blaine stated that he raised his hands while office Bryant "patted him down."
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priga person regarded as arrogant and annoyingTo translate: a trap is a detective or policeman; a lap-feeder is a silver teaspoon, a blowen is a wench, and
prig means "to steal." -
procedurea particular course of action intended to achieve a resultThe outrage over new security
procedures enforced by the Transportation Security Administration has thrust the word pat-down into the news. -
verba word denoting an action, occurrence, or state of existenceFrisk is remarkably old, as both a
verb and a noun referring to the act of searching for a weapon or contraband by passing hands over the body of a clothed person. -
calibrediameter of a tube or gun barrelHere are five examples from the 1940s:
1943 Atlanta Daily World 17 Mar. 6/2 Officer Nash said he patted Wilson down, searching for a weapon and found a big 45-
calibre pistol.1948 Baltimore Afro-American 20 Mar. 2/6 "Then they patted us down to see if we were armed," Miss Mack stated.
1948 Atlanta Daily World 2 July 5/2 Blaine stated that he raised his hands while office Bryant "patted him down."
-
enforcementensuring observance of or obedience toWhile the TSA faces backlash against these so-called "enhanced pat-downs" (an unfortunate term reminiscent of "enhanced interrogation techniques" at Guantanamo), plain-old pat-downs have been part of the lexicon of law
enforcement for decades. -
searchlook or seekFrisk is remarkably old, as both a verb and a noun referring to the act of
searching for a weapon or contraband by passing hands over the body of a clothed person. -
navigatedirect carefully and safelyThe way things are going this holiday season, travelers will be thinking up many more sarcastic alternatives to the pat-down as they
navigate the brave new world of airport security
-
availabilitythe quality of being at hand when neededWe can extend that back another decade, thanks to the
availability of historical African-American newspapers in the ProQuest digitized database. -
bruntthe main part, especially of a force or shockIn these papers, getting "patted down" is frequently mentioned in reports of police searches and detentions, with African Americans bearing the
brunt of the activity. -
African-Americanan American whose ancestors were born in AfricaWe can extend that back another decade, thanks to the availability of historical
African-American newspapers in the ProQuest digitized database. -
underworld(religion) the place of the deadGeorge Parker's 1789 book Life's Painter includes an extensive glossary of "cant" (the language of the
underworld), and frisk is included:Frisk'd.
-
turnpikean expressway on which tolls are collectedThey frisk him, that is, search him to find pawn-brokers duplicates,
turnpike tickets, writings, or property that may tend to a discovery. -
scanexamine minutely or intenselyAirline passenger screenings in the U.S. now involve full-body
scans, or if the passenger refuses the scan, a full-body pat-down. -
screeningthe display of a motion pictureAirline passenger
screenings in the U.S. now involve full-body scans, or if the passenger refuses the scan, a full-body pat-down. -
contrabanddistributed or sold illicitlyFrisk is remarkably old, as both a verb and a noun referring to the act of searching for a weapon or
contraband by passing hands over the body of a clothed person. -
unnecessarilywithout any necessityThe TSA's "pat-down procedures" don't require suspicion of a crime in accordance with the Fourth Amendment, which is one reason why critics find the pat-downs of law-abiding travelers to be
unnecessarily invasive. -
ParkerUnited States saxophonist and leader of the bop style of jazz (1920-1955)George
Parker's 1789 book Life's Painter includes an extensive glossary of "cant" (the language of the underworld), and frisk is included:Frisk'd.
-
police officera member of a police forceOhio, permitting
police officers to conduct pat-downs if there is reasonable suspicion of a crime. -
usagethe act of employingThough most of this cant never moved beyond the world of thieves, frisking entered mainstream
usage, eventually becoming a standard term in American law enforcement for searches of suspects' outer garments for weapons or other items concealed underneath. -
repinformal abbreviation of `representative'Appellate
Rep. 2nd Ser. 222 345 The officer, in making a cursory search or 'pat down' of King for weapons, found two shotgun shells in his pocket. -
includehave as a part; be made up out ofGeorge Parker's 1789 book Life's Painter
includes an extensive glossary of "cant" (the language of the underworld), and frisk is included:Frisk'd.
-
mainstreamthe prevailing current of thoughtThough most of this cant never moved beyond the world of thieves, frisking entered
mainstream usage, eventually becoming a standard term in American law enforcement for searches of suspects' outer garments for weapons or other items concealed underneath. -
Transportationthe United States federal department that institutes and coordinates national transportation programs; created in 1966The outrage over new security procedures enforced by the
Transportation Security Administration has thrust the word pat-down into the news. -
reminiscentserving to bring to mindWhile the TSA faces backlash against these so-called "enhanced pat-downs" (an unfortunate term
reminiscent of "enhanced interrogation techniques" at Guantanamo), plain-old pat-downs have been part of the lexicon of law enforcement for decades. -
macka waterproof raincoat made of rubberized fabricHere are five examples from the 1940s:
1943 Atlanta Daily World 17 Mar. 6/2 Officer Nash said he patted Wilson down, searching for a weapon and found a big 45-calibre pistol.
1948 Baltimore Afro-American 20 Mar. 2/6 "Then they patted us down to see if we were armed," Miss
Mack stated.1948 Atlanta Daily World 2 July 5/2 Blaine stated that he raised his hands while office Bryant "patted him down."
-
shotgunfirearm that is a double-barreled smoothbore shoulder weapon for firing shot at short rangesAppellate Rep. 2nd Ser. 222 345 The officer, in making a cursory search or 'pat down' of King for weapons, found two
shotgun shells in his pocket. -
interrogationan instance of questioningWhile the TSA faces backlash against these so-called "enhanced pat-downs" (an unfortunate term reminiscent of "enhanced
interrogation techniques" at Guantanamo), plain-old pat-downs have been part of the lexicon of law enforcement for decades. -
trapa device in which something can be caught and pennedA knowing term used among
traps, scouts, and runners, when they take a person up on suspicion. -
let downmove something or somebody to a lower positionIf you're
let down (disappointed), it's a letdown; if you're knocked down (laid out in a fight), it's a knock-down; if you're put down (insulted), it's a put-down. -
Baltimorethe largest city in MarylandHere are five examples from the 1940s:
1943 Atlanta Daily World 17 Mar. 6/2 Officer Nash said he patted Wilson down, searching for a weapon and found a big 45-calibre pistol.
1948
Baltimore Afro-American 20 Mar. 2/6 "Then they patted us down to see if we were armed," Miss Mack stated.1948 Atlanta Daily World 2 July 5/2 Blaine stated that he raised his hands while office Bryant "patted him down."
-
Atlantastate capital and largest city of GeorgiaHere are five examples from the 1940s:
1943
Atlanta Daily World 17 Mar. 6/2 Officer Nash said he patted Wilson down, searching for a weapon and found a big 45-calibre pistol.1948 Baltimore Afro-American 20 Mar. 2/6 "Then they patted us down to see if we were armed," Miss Mack stated.
1948 Atlanta Daily World 2 July 5/2 Blaine stated that he raised his hands while office Bryant "patted him down."
-
techniquea practical method or art applied to some particular taskWhile the TSA faces backlash against these so-called "enhanced pat-downs" (an unfortunate term reminiscent of "enhanced interrogation
techniques" at Guantanamo), plain-old pat-downs have been part of the lexicon of law enforcement for decades. -
travelera person who changes locationThe TSA's "pat-down procedures" don't require suspicion of a crime in accordance with the Fourth Amendment, which is one reason why critics find the pat-downs of law-abiding
travelers to be unnecessarily invasive. -
duplicatea copy that corresponds to an original exactlyThey frisk him, that is, search him to find pawn-brokers
duplicates, turnpike tickets, writings, or property that may tend to a discovery. -
policethe force of policemen and officersThe stop and frisk is now an accepted
police procedure in many states. -
credentialsa document attesting to the truth of certain stated factsHe said he was facing the wall with his back to the officers and that he didn't know which one had "patted him down" and searched his billfold.
1948 New York Amsterdam News 10 July 25/3 The $10 was taken from him when he was "patted down" by the police on the original arrest, he said.
1949 Baltimore Afro-American 10 Dec. 4/4 If you drive a new car, especially one of the higher-priced models, you're fair game for Philly police who pat you down like a common criminal even before they a...
-
detentiona state of being confined (usually for a short time)In these papers, getting "patted down" is frequently mentioned in reports of police searches and
detentions, with African Americans bearing the brunt of the activity. -
knock downcause to come or go downIf you're let down (disappointed), it's a letdown; if you're
knocked down (laid out in a fight), it's a knock-down; if you're put down (insulted), it's a put-down. -
sarcasticexpressing or expressive of ridicule that woundsThe way things are going this holiday season, travelers will be thinking up many more
sarcastic alternatives to the pat-down as they navigate the brave new world of airport security
-
NashUnited States writer noted for his droll epigramsHere are five examples from the 1940s:
1943 Atlanta Daily World 17 Mar. 6/2 Officer
Nash said he patted Wilson down, searching for a weapon and found a big 45-calibre pistol.1948 Baltimore Afro-American 20 Mar. 2/6 "Then they patted us down to see if we were armed," Miss Mack stated.
1948 Atlanta Daily World 2 July 5/2 Blaine stated that he raised his hands while office Bryant "patted him down."
-
pawnleave as a guarantee in return for moneyThey frisk him, that is, search him to find
pawn-brokers duplicates, turnpike tickets, writings, or property that may tend to a discovery. -
credentiala document attesting to the truth of certain stated factsHe said he was facing the wall with his back to the officers and that he didn't know which one had "patted him down" and searched his billfold.
1948 New York Amsterdam News 10 July 25/3 The $10 was taken from him when he was "patted down" by the police on the original arrest, he said.
1949 Baltimore Afro-American 10 Dec. 4/4 If you drive a new car, especially one of the higher-priced models, you're fair game for Philly police who pat you down like a common criminal even before they a...
-
weaponany instrument used in fighting or huntingFrisk is remarkably old, as both a verb and a noun referring to the act of searching for a
weapon or contraband by passing hands over the body of a clothed person. -
wencha young womanTo translate: a trap is a detective or policeman; a lap-feeder is a silver teaspoon, a blowen is a
wench, and prig means "to steal." -
Marthe month following February and preceding AprilHere are five examples from the 1940s:
1943 Atlanta Daily World 17
Mar. 6/2 Officer Nash said he patted Wilson down, searching for a weapon and found a big 45-calibre pistol.1948 Baltimore Afro-American 20 Mar. 2/6 "Then they patted us down to see if we were armed," Miss Mack stated.
1948 Atlanta Daily World 2 July 5/2 Blaine stated that he raised his hands while office Bryant "patted him down."
-
teaspoona small spoon used for stirring tea or coffeeTo translate: a trap is a detective or policeman; a lap-feeder is a silver
teaspoon, a blowen is a wench, and prig means "to steal." -
searchingexploring thoroughlyFrisk is remarkably old, as both a verb and a noun referring to the act of
searching for a weapon or contraband by passing hands over the body of a clothed person. -
revisionthe act of alteringThe Oxford English Dictionary includes this expression in its latest online
revision of the entry for pat, with citations back to 1953. -
slogana favorite saying of a sect or political groupOne such fake
slogan, from the fake Twitter account TSAgov, is: "It's not a grope. -
lapthe upper side of the thighs of a seated personElsewhere, Parker includes frisk as a noun:
You'd snitch upon us, and soon have the traps, and fix us, in putting a
lap-feeder in our sack, that you or your blowen had prig'd yourselves, though we should stand the frisk for it. -
suspicionan impression that something might be the caseA knowing term used among traps, scouts, and runners, when they take a person up on
suspicion. -
explicitprecisely and clearly expressed or readily observableTSAgov has also made the Guantanamo parallel more
explicit by tweeting about "enhanced rubbing techniques." -
abidingunceasingThe TSA's "pat-down procedures" don't require suspicion of a crime in accordance with the Fourth Amendment, which is one reason why critics find the pat-downs of law-
abiding travelers to be unnecessarily invasive. -
Amsterdaman industrial center and the nominal capital of the Netherlands; center of the diamond-cutting industry; seat of an important stock exchange; known for its canals and art museumHe said he was facing the wall with his back to the officers and that he didn't know which one had "patted him down" and searched his billfold.
1948 New York
Amsterdam News 10 July 25/3 The $10 was taken from him when he was "patted down" by the police on the original arrest, he said.1949 Baltimore Afro-American 10 Dec. 4/4 If you drive a new car, especially one of the higher-priced models, you're fair game for Philly police who pat you down like a common criminal even before...
-
terma limited period of time during which something lastsWhile the TSA faces backlash against these so-called "enhanced pat-downs" (an unfortunate
term reminiscent of "enhanced interrogation techniques" at Guantanamo), plain-old pat-downs have been part of the lexicon of law enforcement for decades. -
translaterestate from one language into another languageTo
translate: a trap is a detective or policeman; a lap-feeder is a silver teaspoon, a blowen is a wench, and prig means "to steal." -
decadea period of 10 yearsWhile the TSA faces backlash against these so-called "enhanced pat-downs" (an unfortunate term reminiscent of "enhanced interrogation techniques" at Guantanamo), plain-old pat-downs have been part of the lexicon of law enforcement for
decades. -
securitythe state of being free from danger or injuryThe outrage over new
security procedures enforced by the Transportation Security Administration has thrust the word pat-down into the news. -
TerryEnglish actress (1847-1928)Both frisk and pat-down moved from slang to official usage, particularly after the terms were enshrined in legal casework such as the 1968 Supreme Court case
Terry v. -
gropefeel about uncertainly or blindlyOne such fake slogan, from the fake Twitter account TSAgov, is: "It's not a
grope. -
Africana native or inhabitant of AfricaWe can extend that back another decade, thanks to the availability of historical
African-American newspapers in the ProQuest digitized database. -
enforcecompel to behave in a certain wayThe outrage over new security procedures
enforced by the Transportation Security Administration has thrust the word pat-down into the news. -
dictionarya reference book containing an alphabetical list of wordsThe Oxford English
Dictionary includes this expression in its latest online revision of the entry for pat, with citations back to 1953. -
rubbingeffort expended in moving one object over another with pressureTSAgov has also made the Guantanamo parallel more explicit by tweeting about "enhanced
rubbing techniques." -
ridiculelanguage or behavior intended to mock or humiliateThe "enhanced" pat-downs of the TSA have been the source of much
ridicule over the past couple of weeks. -
emergecome out into view, as from concealmentIn the mid-20th century, a new slang term
emerged in the U.S. for frisking: "patting someone down." -
enforcedcompelled to behave in a certain wayThe outrage over new security procedures
enforced by the Transportation Security Administration has thrust the word pat-down into the news. -
lay outlay out orderly or logically in a line or as if in a lineIf you're let down (disappointed), it's a letdown; if you're knocked down (
laid out in a fight), it's a knock-down; if you're put down (insulted), it's a put-down. -
brokera businessman who buys or sells for anotherThey frisk him, that is, search him to find pawn-
brokers duplicates, turnpike tickets, writings, or property that may tend to a discovery. -
passengera traveler riding in a vehicle but not operating itAirline
passenger screenings in the U.S. now involve full-body scans, or if the passenger refuses the scan, a full-body pat-down. -
underneathon the lower or downward side; on the underside ofThough most of this cant never moved beyond the world of thieves, frisking entered mainstream usage, eventually becoming a standard term in American law enforcement for searches of suspects' outer garments for weapons or other items concealed
underneath. -
2ndcoming next after the first in position in space or time or degree or magnitudeAppellate Rep.
2nd Ser. 222 345 The officer, in making a cursory search or 'pat down' of King for weapons, found two shotgun shells in his pocket. -
runnersomeone who travels on foot by runningA knowing term used among traps, scouts, and
runners, when they take a person up on suspicion. -
stateddeclared as fact; explicitly statedHere are five examples from the 1940s:
1943 Atlanta Daily World 17 Mar. 6/2 Officer Nash said he patted Wilson down, searching for a weapon and found a big 45-calibre pistol.
1948 Baltimore Afro-American 20 Mar. 2/6 "Then they patted us down to see if we were armed," Miss Mack
stated.1948 Atlanta Daily World 2 July 5/2 Blaine stated that he raised his hands while office Bryant "patted him down."
-
put downput in a horizontal positionIf you're let down (disappointed), it's a letdown; if you're knocked down (laid out in a fight), it's a knock-down; if you're
put down (insulted), it's a put-down. -
remarkablyto a remarkable degree or extentFrisk is
remarkably old, as both a verb and a noun referring to the act of searching for a weapon or contraband by passing hands over the body of a clothed person. -
hand overto surrender someone or something to anotherFrisk is remarkably old, as both a verb and a noun referring to the act of searching for a weapon or contraband by passing
hands over the body of a clothed person. -
outragea disgraceful eventThe
outrage over new security procedures enforced by the Transportation Security Administration has thrust the word pat-down into the news. -
officera member of a police forceHere are five examples from the 1940s:
1943 Atlanta Daily World 17 Mar. 6/2
Officer Nash said he patted Wilson down, searching for a weapon and found a big 45-calibre pistol.1948 Baltimore Afro-American 20 Mar. 2/6 "Then they patted us down to see if we were armed," Miss Mack stated.
1948 Atlanta Daily World 2 July 5/2 Blaine stated that he raised his hands while office Bryant "patted him down."
-
Decthe last (12th) month of the yearHe said he was facing the wall with his back to the officers and that he didn't know which one had "patted him down" and searched his billfold.
1948 New York Amsterdam News 10 July 25/3 The $10 was taken from him when he was "patted down" by the police on the original arrest, he said.
1949 Baltimore Afro-American 10
Dec. 4/4 If you drive a new car, especially one of the higher-priced models, you're fair game for Philly police who pat you down like a common criminal even before... -
onlineconnected to a computer network or accessible by computerThe Oxford English Dictionary includes this expression in its latest
online revision of the entry for pat, with citations back to 1953. -
knockdeliver a sharp blow or push :"He knocked the glass clear across the room"If you're let down (disappointed), it's a letdown; if you're
knocked down (laid out in a fight), it's a knock-down; if you're put down (insulted), it's a put-down. -
clothedcovered with or as if with clothes or a wrap or cloakFrisk is remarkably old, as both a verb and a noun referring to the act of searching for a weapon or contraband by passing hands over the body of a
clothed person. -
airlinea commercial business that provides scheduled flightsAirline passenger screenings in the U.S. now involve full-body scans, or if the passenger refuses the scan, a full-body pat-down.
-
accordanceconcurrence or agreement of opinionThe TSA's "pat-down procedures" don't require suspicion of a crime in
accordance with the Fourth Amendment, which is one reason why critics find the pat-downs of law-abiding travelers to be unnecessarily invasive. -
airportan airfield equipped with control tower and hangars as well as accommodations for passengers and cargoThe way things are going this holiday season, travelers will be thinking up many more sarcastic alternatives to the pat-down as they navigate the brave new world of
airport security
-
20thcoming next after the nineteenth in positionIn the mid-
20th century, a new slang term emerged in the U.S. for frisking: "patting someone down." -
involvecontain as a partAirline passenger screenings in the U.S. now
involve full-body scans, or if the passenger refuses the scan, a full-body pat-down. -
refermake a remark that calls attention toFrisk is remarkably old, as both a verb and a noun
referring to the act of searching for a weapon or contraband by passing hands over the body of a clothed person. -
Julythe month following June and preceding AugustHere are five examples from the 1940s:
1943 Atlanta Daily World 17 Mar. 6/2 Officer Nash said he patted Wilson down, searching for a weapon and found a big 45-calibre pistol.
1948 Baltimore Afro-American 20 Mar. 2/6 "Then they patted us down to see if we were armed," Miss Mack stated.
1948 Atlanta Daily World 2
July 5/2 Blaine stated that he raised his hands while office Bryant "patted him down." -
sacka bag made of paper or plastic for holding purchasesElsewhere, Parker includes frisk as a noun:
You'd snitch upon us, and soon have the traps, and fix us, in putting a lap-feeder in our
sack, that you or your blowen had prig'd yourselves, though we should stand the frisk for it. -
alternativeone of a number of things from which only one can be chosenThe way things are going this holiday season, travelers will be thinking up many more sarcastic
alternatives to the pat-down as they navigate the brave new world of airport security
-
detectivea police officer who investigates crimesTo translate: a trap is a
detective or policeman; a lap-feeder is a silver teaspoon, a blowen is a wench, and prig means "to steal." -
califthe civil and religious leader of a Muslim state considered to be a representative of Allah on earthThe earliest OED citation is a court case from 1964:
1964
Calif. -
typicalexhibiting the qualities that identify a group or kindThe creation of the noun pat-down follows a
typical pattern for phrasal verbs using down. -
policemana member of a police forceTo translate: a trap is a detective or
policeman; a lap-feeder is a silver teaspoon, a blowen is a wench, and prig means "to steal." -
so-calleddoubtful or suspectWhile the TSA faces backlash against these
so-called "enhanced pat-downs" (an unfortunate term reminiscent of "enhanced interrogation techniques" at Guantanamo), plain-old pat-downs have been part of the lexicon of law enforcement for decades. -
crimean act punishable by law; usually considered an evil actOhio, permitting police officers to conduct pat-downs if there is reasonable suspicion of a
crime. -
scoutexplore, often with the goal of finding something or somebodyA knowing term used among traps,
scouts, and runners, when they take a person up on suspicion. -
specificstated explicitly or in detailThe phrasal verb pat down then became a noun, pat-down, to refer to a
specific instance of frisking. -
entrythe act of going inThe Oxford English Dictionary includes this expression in its latest online revision of the
entry for pat, with citations back to 1953. -
Supreme Courtthe highest federal court in the United StatesBoth frisk and pat-down moved from slang to official usage, particularly after the terms were enshrined in legal casework such as the 1968
Supreme Court case Terry v. -
Americanof or relating to the United States of America or its people or language or cultureThough most of this cant never moved beyond the world of thieves, frisking entered mainstream usage, eventually becoming a standard term in
American law enforcement for searches of suspects' outer garments for weapons or other items concealed underneath. -
dailyof or belonging to or occurring every dayHere are five examples from the 1940s:
1943 Atlanta
Daily World 17 Mar. 6/2 Officer Nash said he patted Wilson down, searching for a weapon and found a big 45-calibre pistol.1948 Baltimore Afro-American 20 Mar. 2/6 "Then they patted us down to see if we were armed," Miss Mack stated.
1948 Atlanta Daily World 2 July 5/2 Blaine stated that he raised his hands while office Bryant "patted him down."
-
Wordthe divine word of God; the second person in the TrinityFor some violent examples, see this
Word Routes column on throwdowns, smackdowns, and beatdowns. -
earliestmore early than; most earlyThe
earliest OED citation is a court case from 1964:1964 Calif.
-
facingan ornamental coating to a buildingHe said he was
facing the wall with his back to the officers and that he didn't know which one had "patted him down" and searched his billfold.1948 New York Amsterdam News 10 July 25/3 The $10 was taken from him when he was "patted down" by the police on the original arrest, he said.
1949 Baltimore Afro-American 10 Dec. 4/4 If you drive a new car, especially one of the higher-priced models, you're fair game for Philly police who pat you down like a common criminal even before...
-
parallelbeing everywhere equidistant and not intersectingTSAgov has also made the Guantanamo
parallel more explicit by tweeting about "enhanced rubbing techniques." -
assignedappointed to a post or dutyOn Twitter, these jibes have often been
assigned the hashtag #TSASlogans. -
amendmenta statement that is added to a proposal or documentThe TSA's "pat-down procedures" don't require suspicion of a crime in accordance with the Fourth
Amendment, which is one reason why critics find the pat-downs of law-abiding travelers to be unnecessarily invasive. -
extensivelarge in spatial extent or range or scope or quantityGeorge Parker's 1789 book Life's Painter includes an
extensive glossary of "cant" (the language of the underworld), and frisk is included:Frisk'd.
-
itema distinct part that can be specified separately in a groupThough most of this cant never moved beyond the world of thieves, frisking entered mainstream usage, eventually becoming a standard term in American law enforcement for searches of suspects' outer garments for weapons or other
items concealed underneath. -
Oxforda city in southern England to the northwest of LondonThe
Oxford English Dictionary includes this expression in its latest online revision of the entry for pat, with citations back to 1953. -
disappointedsadly unsuccessfulIf you're let down (
disappointed), it's a letdown; if you're knocked down (laid out in a fight), it's a knock-down; if you're put down (insulted), it's a put-down. -
midused in combination to denote the middleIn the
mid-20th century, a new slang term emerged in the U.S. for frisking: "patting someone down." -
abidedwellThe TSA's "pat-down procedures" don't require suspicion of a crime in accordance with the Fourth Amendment, which is one reason why critics find the pat-downs of law-
abiding travelers to be unnecessarily invasive. -
thiefa criminal who takes property belonging to someone elseThough most of this cant never moved beyond the world of
thieves, frisking entered mainstream usage, eventually becoming a standard term in American law enforcement for searches of suspects' outer garments for weapons or other items concealed underneath. -
pistola firearm that is held and fired with one handHere are five examples from the 1940s:
1943 Atlanta Daily World 17 Mar. 6/2 Officer Nash said he patted Wilson down, searching for a weapon and found a big 45-calibre
pistol.1948 Baltimore Afro-American 20 Mar. 2/6 "Then they patted us down to see if we were armed," Miss Mack stated.
1948 Atlanta Daily World 2 July 5/2 Blaine stated that he raised his hands while office Bryant "patted him down."
-
ticketa commercial document showing that the holder is entitled to something (as to ride on public transportation or to enter a public entertainment)They frisk him, that is, search him to find pawn-brokers duplicates, turnpike
tickets, writings, or property that may tend to a discovery. -
outerlocated outsideThough most of this cant never moved beyond the world of thieves, frisking entered mainstream usage, eventually becoming a standard term in American law enforcement for searches of suspects'
outer garments for weapons or other items concealed underneath. -
patterna perceptual structureThe creation of the noun pat-down follows a typical
pattern for phrasal verbs using down. -
concealednot accessible to viewThough most of this cant never moved beyond the world of thieves, frisking entered mainstream usage, eventually becoming a standard term in American law enforcement for searches of suspects' outer garments for weapons or other items
concealed underneath. -
holidayleisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasureThe way things are going this
holiday season, travelers will be thinking up many more sarcastic alternatives to the pat-down as they navigate the brave new world of airport security
-
garmentan article of clothingThough most of this cant never moved beyond the world of thieves, frisking entered mainstream usage, eventually becoming a standard term in American law enforcement for searches of suspects' outer
garments for weapons or other items concealed underneath. -
reasonableshowing sound judgmentOhio, permitting police officers to conduct pat-downs if there is
reasonable suspicion of a crime. -
creationthe act of starting something for the first timeThe
creation of the noun pat-down follows a typical pattern for phrasal verbs using down. -
movedbeing excited or provoked to the expression of an emotionThough most of this cant never
moved beyond the world of thieves, frisking entered mainstream usage, eventually becoming a standard term in American law enforcement for searches of suspects' outer garments for weapons or other items concealed underneath. -
eventuallyafter an unspecified period of time or a long delayThough most of this cant never moved beyond the world of thieves, frisking entered mainstream usage,
eventually becoming a standard term in American law enforcement for searches of suspects' outer garments for weapons or other items concealed underneath. -
disappointfail to meet the hopes or expectations ofIf you're let down (
disappointed), it's a letdown; if you're knocked down (laid out in a fight), it's a knock-down; if you're put down (insulted), it's a put-down. -
assignselect something or someone for a specific purposeOn Twitter, these jibes have often been
assigned the hashtag #TSASlogans. -
Ohioa midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes regionOhio, permitting police officers to conduct pat-downs if there is reasonable suspicion of a crime.
-
examplean item of information that is typical of a class or groupHere are five
examples from the 1940s:1943 Atlanta Daily World 17 Mar. 6/2 Officer Nash said he patted Wilson down, searching for a weapon and found a big 45-calibre pistol.
1948 Baltimore Afro-American 20 Mar. 2/6 "Then they patted us down to see if we were armed," Miss Mack stated.
1948 Atlanta Daily World 2 July 5/2 Blaine stated that he raised his hands while office Bryant "patted him down."
-
rubmove over something with pressureTSAgov has also made the Guantanamo parallel more explicit by tweeting about "enhanced
rubbing techniques." -
historicalof or relating to the study of recorded timeWe can extend that back another decade, thanks to the availability of
historical African-American newspapers in the ProQuest digitized database. -
latestup to the immediate present; most recent or most up-to-dateThe Oxford English Dictionary includes this expression in its
latest online revision of the entry for pat, with citations back to 1953. -
WilsonAmerican Revolutionary leader who was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence (1742-1798)Here are five examples from the 1940s:
1943 Atlanta Daily World 17 Mar. 6/2 Officer Nash said he patted
Wilson down, searching for a weapon and found a big 45-calibre pistol.1948 Baltimore Afro-American 20 Mar. 2/6 "Then they patted us down to see if we were armed," Miss Mack stated.
1948 Atlanta Daily World 2 July 5/2 Blaine stated that he raised his hands while office Bryant "patted him down."
-
up onbeing up to particular standard or level especially in being up to date in knowledgeA knowing term used among traps, scouts, and runners, when they take a person
up on suspicion. -
painteran artist who paintsGeorge Parker's 1789 book Life's
Painter includes an extensive glossary of "cant" (the language of the underworld), and frisk is included:Frisk'd.
-
includedenclosed in the same envelope or packageGeorge Parker's 1789 book Life's Painter includes an extensive glossary of "cant" (the language of the underworld), and frisk is
included:Frisk'd.
-
elsewherein or to another placeElsewhere, Parker includes frisk as a noun:
You'd snitch upon us, and soon have the traps, and fix us, in putting a lap-feeder in our sack, that you or your blowen had prig'd yourselves, though we should stand the frisk for it.
-
insulttreat, mention, or speak to rudelyIf you're let down (disappointed), it's a letdown; if you're knocked down (laid out in a fight), it's a knock-down; if you're put down (
insulted), it's a put-down. -
bodyan individual 3-dimensional object that has massAirline passenger screenings in the U.S. now involve full-
body scans, or if the passenger refuses the scan, a full-body pat-down. -
someonea human beingIn the mid-20th century, a new slang term emerged in the U.S. for frisking: "patting
someone down." -
routean established line of travel or accessFor some violent examples, see this Word
Routes column on throwdowns, smackdowns, and beatdowns. -
newsinformation about recent and important eventsThe outrage over new security procedures enforced by the Transportation Security Administration has thrust the word pat-down into the
news. -
unfortunatemarked by or resulting in bad luckWhile the TSA faces backlash against these so-called "enhanced pat-downs" (an
unfortunate term reminiscent of "enhanced interrogation techniques" at Guantanamo), plain-old pat-downs have been part of the lexicon of law enforcement for decades. -
ask forincrease the likelihood ofHe said he was facing the wall with his back to the officers and that he didn't know which one had "patted him down" and searched his billfold.
1948 New York Amsterdam News 10 July 25/3 The $10 was taken from him when he was "patted down" by the police on the original arrest, he said.
1949 Baltimore Afro-American 10 Dec. 4/4 If you drive a new car, especially one of the higher-priced models, you're fair game for Philly police who pat you down like a common criminal even before they <...
-
criminalsomeone who has committed a punishable actHe said he was facing the wall with his back to the officers and that he didn't know which one had "patted him down" and searched his billfold.
1948 New York Amsterdam News 10 July 25/3 The $10 was taken from him when he was "patted down" by the police on the original arrest, he said.
1949 Baltimore Afro-American 10 Dec. 4/4 If you drive a new car, especially one of the higher-priced models, you're fair game for Philly police who pat you down like a common
criminal even before... -
newnot of long durationThe outrage over
new security procedures enforced by the Transportation Security Administration has thrust the word pat-down into the news. -
lawthe collection of rules imposed by authorityWhile the TSA faces backlash against these so-called "enhanced pat-downs" (an unfortunate term reminiscent of "enhanced interrogation techniques" at Guantanamo), plain-old pat-downs have been part of the lexicon of
law enforcement for decades. -
thrustpush forcefullyThe outrage over new security procedures enforced by the Transportation Security Administration has
thrust the word pat-down into the news. -
violentacting with great force or energy or emotional intensityFor some
violent examples, see this Word Routes column on throwdowns, smackdowns, and beatdowns. -
worldthe 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live onThough most of this cant never moved beyond the
world of thieves, frisking entered mainstream usage, eventually becoming a standard term in American law enforcement for searches of suspects' outer garments for weapons or other items concealed underneath. -
refuseshow unwillingness towardsAirline passenger screenings in the U.S. now involve full-body scans, or if the passenger
refuses the scan, a full-body pat-down. -
legalestablished by or founded upon law or official rulesBoth frisk and pat-down moved from slang to official usage, particularly after the terms were enshrined in
legal casework such as the 1968 Supreme Court case Terry v. -
tendhave a disposition to do or be something; be inclinedThey frisk him, that is, search him to find pawn-brokers duplicates, turnpike tickets, writings, or property that may
tend to a discovery. -
critica person engaged in the analysis and interpretation of artThe TSA's "pat-down procedures" don't require suspicion of a crime in accordance with the Fourth Amendment, which is one reason why
critics find the pat-downs of law-abiding travelers to be unnecessarily invasive. -
thanksan acknowledgment of appreciationWe can extend that back another decade,
thanks to the availability of historical African-American newspapers in the ProQuest digitized database. -
columna line of units following one after anotherFor some violent examples, see this Word Routes
column on throwdowns, smackdowns, and beatdowns. -
usingan act that exploits or victimizes someoneThe creation of the noun pat-down follows a typical pattern for phrasal verbs
using down. -
becomingdisplaying or setting off to best advantageThough most of this cant never moved beyond the world of thieves, frisking entered mainstream usage, eventually
becoming a standard term in American law enforcement for searches of suspects' outer garments for weapons or other items concealed underneath. -
modela representation of something, often on a smaller scaleHe said he was facing the wall with his back to the officers and that he didn't know which one had "patted him down" and searched his billfold.
1948 New York Amsterdam News 10 July 25/3 The $10 was taken from him when he was "patted down" by the police on the original arrest, he said.
1949 Baltimore Afro-American 10 Dec. 4/4 If you drive a new car, especially one of the higher-priced
models, you're fair game for Philly police who pat you down like a common criminal even before... -
discoverythe act of finding somethingThey frisk him, that is, search him to find pawn-brokers duplicates, turnpike tickets, writings, or property that may tend to a
discovery. -
concealprevent from being seen or discoveredThough most of this cant never moved beyond the world of thieves, frisking entered mainstream usage, eventually becoming a standard term in American law enforcement for searches of suspects' outer garments for weapons or other items
concealed underneath. -
activityany specific behaviorIn these papers, getting "patted down" is frequently mentioned in reports of police searches and detentions, with African Americans bearing the brunt of the
activity. -
shellthe material that forms the hard outer covering of many animalsAppellate Rep. 2nd Ser. 222 345 The officer, in making a cursory search or 'pat down' of King for weapons, found two shotgun
shells in his pocket. -
armedhaving limbsHere are five examples from the 1940s:
1943 Atlanta Daily World 17 Mar. 6/2 Officer Nash said he patted Wilson down, searching for a weapon and found a big 45-calibre pistol.
1948 Baltimore Afro-American 20 Mar. 2/6 "Then they patted us down to see if we were
armed," Miss Mack stated.1948 Atlanta Daily World 2 July 5/2 Blaine stated that he raised his hands while office Bryant "patted him down."
-
supremegreatest in status or authority or powerBoth frisk and pat-down moved from slang to official usage, particularly after the terms were enshrined in legal casework such as the 1968
Supreme Court case Terry v. -
bearingcharacteristic way of holding one's bodyIn these papers, getting "patted down" is frequently mentioned in reports of police searches and detentions, with African Americans
bearing the brunt of the activity. -
acceptedgenerally approved or compelling recognitionThe stop and frisk is now an
accepted police procedure in many states. -
puttinghitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putterElsewhere, Parker includes frisk as a noun:
You'd snitch upon us, and soon have the traps, and fix us, in
putting a lap-feeder in our sack, that you or your blowen had prig'd yourselves, though we should stand the frisk for it. -
arresttake into custodyHe said he was facing the wall with his back to the officers and that he didn't know which one had "patted him down" and searched his billfold.
1948 New York Amsterdam News 10 July 25/3 The $10 was taken from him when he was "patted down" by the police on the original
arrest, he said.1949 Baltimore Afro-American 10 Dec. 4/4 If you drive a new car, especially one of the higher-priced models, you're fair game for Philly police who pat you down like a common criminal even before...
-
raisemove upwardsHere are five examples from the 1940s:
1943 Atlanta Daily World 17 Mar. 6/2 Officer Nash said he patted Wilson down, searching for a weapon and found a big 45-calibre pistol.
1948 Baltimore Afro-American 20 Mar. 2/6 "Then they patted us down to see if we were armed," Miss Mack stated.
1948 Atlanta Daily World 2 July 5/2 Blaine stated that he
raised his hands while office Bryant "patted him down." -
fourthfollowing the third positionThe TSA's "pat-down procedures" don't require suspicion of a crime in accordance with the
Fourth Amendment, which is one reason why critics find the pat-downs of law-abiding travelers to be unnecessarily invasive. -
putcause to be in a certain stateElsewhere, Parker includes frisk as a noun:
You'd snitch upon us, and soon have the traps, and fix us, in
putting a lap-feeder in our sack, that you or your blowen had prig'd yourselves, though we should stand the frisk for it. -
statethe way something is with respect to its main attributesThe stop and frisk is now an accepted police procedure in many
states. -
suspectregard as untrustworthyThough most of this cant never moved beyond the world of thieves, frisking entered mainstream usage, eventually becoming a standard term in American law enforcement for searches of
suspects' outer garments for weapons or other items concealed underneath. -
frequentlymany times at short intervalsIn these papers, getting "patted down" is
frequently mentioned in reports of police searches and detentions, with African Americans bearing the brunt of the activity. -
coupletwo items of the same kindThe "enhanced" pat-downs of the TSA have been the source of much ridicule over the past
couple of weeks. -
standarda basis for comparisonThough most of this cant never moved beyond the world of thieves, frisking entered mainstream usage, eventually becoming a
standard term in American law enforcement for searches of suspects' outer garments for weapons or other items concealed underneath. -
requirehave need ofThe TSA's "pat-down procedures" don't
require suspicion of a crime in accordance with the Fourth Amendment, which is one reason why critics find the pat-downs of law-abiding travelers to be unnecessarily invasive. -
bravepossessing or displaying courageThe way things are going this holiday season, travelers will be thinking up many more sarcastic alternatives to the pat-down as they navigate the
brave new world of airport security
-
out inenter a harborIf you're let down (disappointed), it's a letdown; if you're knocked down (laid
out in a fight), it's a knock-down; if you're put down (insulted), it's a put-down. -
knowingalert and fully informedA
knowing term used among traps, scouts, and runners, when they take a person up on suspicion. -
sourcethe place where something beginsThe "enhanced" pat-downs of the TSA have been the
source of much ridicule over the past couple of weeks. -
stealtake without the owner's consentTo translate: a trap is a detective or policeman; a lap-feeder is a silver teaspoon, a blowen is a wench, and prig means "to
steal." -
newspapera daily or weekly publication on folded sheetsWe can extend that back another decade, thanks to the availability of historical African-American
newspapers in the ProQuest digitized database. -
paperswriting that provides informationIn these
papers, getting "patted down" is frequently mentioned in reports of police searches and detentions, with African Americans bearing the brunt of the activity. -
finddiscover or determine the existence, presence, or fact ofThey frisk him, that is, search him to
find pawn-brokers duplicates, turnpike tickets, writings, or property that may tend to a discovery. -
particularlyto a distinctly greater extent or degree than is commonBoth frisk and pat-down moved from slang to official usage,
particularly after the terms were enshrined in legal casework such as the 1968 Supreme Court case Terry v. -
movechange locationThough most of this cant never
moved beyond the world of thieves, frisking entered mainstream usage, eventually becoming a standard term in American law enforcement for searches of suspects' outer garments for weapons or other items concealed underneath. -
pocketa small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articlesAppellate Rep. 2nd Ser. 222 345 The officer, in making a cursory search or 'pat down' of King for weapons, found two shotgun shells in his
pocket. -
freedomthe condition of being freeIt's a
freedom pat." -
silvera soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photographyTo translate: a trap is a detective or policeman; a lap-feeder is a
silver teaspoon, a blowen is a wench, and prig means "to steal." -
fullcontaining as much or as many as is possible or normalAirline passenger screenings in the U.S. now involve
full-body scans, or if the passenger refuses the scan, a full-body pat-down. -
persona human beingFrisk is remarkably old, as both a verb and a noun referring to the act of searching for a weapon or contraband by passing hands over the body of a clothed
person. -
extendstretch out over a distance, space, time, or scopeWe can
extend that back another decade, thanks to the availability of historical African-American newspapers in the ProQuest digitized database. -
passinglasting a very short timeFrisk is remarkably old, as both a verb and a noun referring to the act of searching for a weapon or contraband by
passing hands over the body of a clothed person. -
CourtAustralian woman tennis player who won many major championships (born in 1947)Both frisk and pat-down moved from slang to official usage, particularly after the terms were enshrined in legal casework such as the 1968 Supreme
Court case Terry v. -
originalpreceding all others in timeHe said he was facing the wall with his back to the officers and that he didn't know which one had "patted him down" and searched his billfold.
1948 New York Amsterdam News 10 July 25/3 The $10 was taken from him when he was "patted down" by the police on the
original arrest, he said.1949 Baltimore Afro-American 10 Dec. 4/4 If you drive a new car, especially one of the higher-priced models, you're fair game for Philly police who pat you down like a common criminal even before...
-
termsstatus with respect to the relations between people or groupsBoth frisk and pat-down moved from slang to official usage, particularly after the
terms were enshrined in legal casework such as the 1968 Supreme Court case Terry v. -
administrationthe act of governing or exercising authorityThe outrage over new security procedures enforced by the Transportation Security
Administration has thrust the word pat-down into the news. -
handsguardianship overFrisk is remarkably old, as both a verb and a noun referring to the act of searching for a weapon or contraband by passing
hands over the body of a clothed person. -
permitallow the presence of or allow without opposingOhio,
permitting police officers to conduct pat-downs if there is reasonable suspicion of a crime. -
U.S.North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776Airline passenger screenings in the
U.S. now involve full-body scans, or if the passenger refuses the scan, a full-body pat-down. -
backthe posterior part of a human (or animal) bodyThe Oxford English Dictionary includes this expression in its latest online revision of the entry for pat, with citations
back to 1953. -
higheradvanced in complexity or elaborationHe said he was facing the wall with his back to the officers and that he didn't know which one had "patted him down" and searched his billfold.
1948 New York Amsterdam News 10 July 25/3 The $10 was taken from him when he was "patted down" by the police on the original arrest, he said.
1949 Baltimore Afro-American 10 Dec. 4/4 If you drive a new car, especially one of the
higher-priced models, you're fair game for Philly police who pat you down like a common criminal even before... -
instancean item of information that is typical of a class or groupThe phrasal verb pat down then became a noun, pat-down, to refer to a specific
instance of frisking. -
casean occurrence of somethingThe earliest OED citation is a court
case from 1964:1964 Calif.
-
propertysomething ownedThey frisk him, that is, search him to find pawn-brokers duplicates, turnpike tickets, writings, or
property that may tend to a discovery. -
seasonone of the natural periods into which the year is divided by the equinoxes and solstices or atmospheric conditionsThe way things are going this holiday
season, travelers will be thinking up many more sarcastic alternatives to the pat-down as they navigate the brave new world of airport security
-
fixrestore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or brokenElsewhere, Parker includes frisk as a noun:
You'd snitch upon us, and soon have the traps, and
fix us, in putting a lap-feeder in our sack, that you or your blowen had prig'd yourselves, though we should stand the frisk for it. -
expressionthe communication of your beliefs or opinionsThe Oxford English Dictionary includes this
expression in its latest online revision of the entry for pat, with citations back to 1953. -
writingsymbols imprinted on a surface to represent sounds or wordsThey frisk him, that is, search him to find pawn-brokers duplicates, turnpike tickets,
writings, or property that may tend to a discovery. -
raisedlocated or moved above the surround or above the normal positionHere are five examples from the 1940s:
1943 Atlanta Daily World 17 Mar. 6/2 Officer Nash said he patted Wilson down, searching for a weapon and found a big 45-calibre pistol.
1948 Baltimore Afro-American 20 Mar. 2/6 "Then they patted us down to see if we were armed," Miss Mack stated.
1948 Atlanta Daily World 2 July 5/2 Blaine stated that he
raised his hands while office Bryant "patted him down." -
thinkingendowed with the capacity to reasonThe way things are going this holiday season, travelers will be
thinking up many more sarcastic alternatives to the pat-down as they navigate the brave new world of airport security
-
conductthe way a person behaves toward other peopleOhio, permitting police officers to
conduct pat-downs if there is reasonable suspicion of a crime. -
both(used with count nouns) two considered together; the twoFrisk is remarkably old, as
both a verb and a noun referring to the act of searching for a weapon or contraband by passing hands over the body of a clothed person. -
cara motor vehicle with four wheelsHe said he was facing the wall with his back to the officers and that he didn't know which one had "patted him down" and searched his billfold.
1948 New York Amsterdam News 10 July 25/3 The $10 was taken from him when he was "patted down" by the police on the original arrest, he said.
1949 Baltimore Afro-American 10 Dec. 4/4 If you drive a new
car, especially one of the higher-priced models, you're fair game for Philly police who pat you down like a common criminal even before... -
plainsimpleWhile the TSA faces backlash against these so-called "enhanced pat-downs" (an unfortunate term reminiscent of "enhanced interrogation techniques" at Guantanamo),
plain-old pat-downs have been part of the lexicon of law enforcement for decades. -
overbeyond the top or upper surface or edgeThe outrage
over new security procedures enforced by the Transportation Security Administration has thrust the word pat-down into the news. -
languagea means of communicating by the use of sounds or symbolsGeorge Parker's 1789 book Life's Painter includes an extensive glossary of "cant" (the
language of the underworld), and frisk is included:Frisk'd.
-
officialof or relating to a place of businessBoth frisk and pat-down moved from slang to
official usage, particularly after the terms were enshrined in legal casework such as the 1968 Supreme Court case Terry v. -
laidset down according to a planIf you're let down (disappointed), it's a letdown; if you're knocked down (
laid out in a fight), it's a knock-down; if you're put down (insulted), it's a put-down. -
gettingthe act of acquiring somethingIn these papers,
getting "patted down" is frequently mentioned in reports of police searches and detentions, with African Americans bearing the brunt of the activity. -
acceptreceive willingly something given or offeredThe stop and frisk is now an
accepted police procedure in many states. -
especiallyto a distinctly greater extent or degree than is commonHe said he was facing the wall with his back to the officers and that he didn't know which one had "patted him down" and searched his billfold.
1948 New York Amsterdam News 10 July 25/3 The $10 was taken from him when he was "patted down" by the police on the original arrest, he said.
1949 Baltimore Afro-American 10 Dec. 4/4 If you drive a new car,
especially one of the higher-priced models, you're fair game for Philly police who pat you down like a common criminal even before... -
thankexpress gratitude or show appreciation toWe can extend that back another decade,
thanks to the availability of historical African-American newspapers in the ProQuest digitized database. -
pricethe amount of money needed to purchase somethingHe said he was facing the wall with his back to the officers and that he didn't know which one had "patted him down" and searched his billfold.
1948 New York Amsterdam News 10 July 25/3 The $10 was taken from him when he was "patted down" by the police on the original arrest, he said.
1949 Baltimore Afro-American 10 Dec. 4/4 If you drive a new car, especially one of the higher-
priced models, you're fair game for Philly police who pat you down like a common criminal even before... -
gamean amusement or pastimeHe said he was facing the wall with his back to the officers and that he didn't know which one had "patted him down" and searched his billfold.
1948 New York Amsterdam News 10 July 25/3 The $10 was taken from him when he was "patted down" by the police on the original arrest, he said.
1949 Baltimore Afro-American 10 Dec. 4/4 If you drive a new car, especially one of the higher-priced models, you're fair
game for Philly police who pat you down like a common criminal even before... -
mentionmake reference toIn these papers, getting "patted down" is frequently
mentioned in reports of police searches and detentions, with African Americans bearing the brunt of the activity. -
becomecome into existenceThough most of this cant never moved beyond the world of thieves, frisking entered mainstream usage, eventually
becoming a standard term in American law enforcement for searches of suspects' outer garments for weapons or other items concealed underneath. -
GeorgeKing of Great Britain and Ireland from 1760 to 1820George Parker's 1789 book Life's Painter includes an extensive glossary of "cant" (the language of the underworld), and frisk is included:
Frisk'd.
-
facethe front of the human head from the forehead to the chinWhile the TSA
faces backlash against these so-called "enhanced pat-downs" (an unfortunate term reminiscent of "enhanced interrogation techniques" at Guantanamo), plain-old pat-downs have been part of the lexicon of law enforcement for decades. -
though(postpositive) howeverElsewhere, Parker includes frisk as a noun:
You'd snitch upon us, and soon have the traps, and fix us, in putting a lap-feeder in our sack, that you or your blowen had prig'd yourselves,
though we should stand the frisk for it. -
fairfree from favoritism, bias, or deceptionHe said he was facing the wall with his back to the officers and that he didn't know which one had "patted him down" and searched his billfold.
1948 New York Amsterdam News 10 July 25/3 The $10 was taken from him when he was "patted down" by the police on the original arrest, he said.
1949 Baltimore Afro-American 10 Dec. 4/4 If you drive a new car, especially one of the higher-priced models, you're
fair game for Philly police who pat you down like a common criminal even before... -
Herequeen of the Olympian gods in ancient Greek mythologyHere are five examples from the 1940s:
1943 Atlanta Daily World 17 Mar. 6/2 Officer Nash said he patted Wilson down, searching for a weapon and found a big 45-calibre pistol.
1948 Baltimore Afro-American 20 Mar. 2/6 "Then they patted us down to see if we were armed," Miss Mack stated.
1948 Atlanta Daily World 2 July 5/2 Blaine stated that he raised his hands while office Bryant "patted him down."
-
centurya period of 100 yearsIn the mid-20th
century, a new slang term emerged in the U.S. for frisking: "patting someone down." -
foundfood and lodging provided in addition to moneyHere are five examples from the 1940s:
1943 Atlanta Daily World 17 Mar. 6/2 Officer Nash said he patted Wilson down, searching for a weapon and
found a big 45-calibre pistol.1948 Baltimore Afro-American 20 Mar. 2/6 "Then they patted us down to see if we were armed," Miss Mack stated.
1948 Atlanta Daily World 2 July 5/2 Blaine stated that he raised his hands while office Bryant "patted him down."
-
beyondfarther along in space or time or degreeThough most of this cant never moved
beyond the world of thieves, frisking entered mainstream usage, eventually becoming a standard term in American law enforcement for searches of suspects' outer garments for weapons or other items concealed underneath. -
courtan assembly to conduct judicial businessThe earliest OED citation is a
court case from 1964:1964 Calif.
-
New Yorkthe largest city in New York State and in the United StatesHe said he was facing the wall with his back to the officers and that he didn't know which one had "patted him down" and searched his billfold.
1948
New York Amsterdam News 10 July 25/3 The $10 was taken from him when he was "patted down" by the police on the original arrest, he said.1949 Baltimore Afro-American 10 Dec. 4/4 If you drive a new car, especially one of the higher-priced models, you're fair game for Philly police who pat you down like a common criminal even before...
-
whilea period of indeterminate length marked by some actionWhile the TSA faces backlash against these so-called "enhanced pat-downs" (an unfortunate term reminiscent of "enhanced interrogation techniques" at Guantanamo), plain-old pat-downs have been part of the lexicon of law enforcement for decades.
-
Yorkthe English royal house that reigned from 1461 to 1485He said he was facing the wall with his back to the officers and that he didn't know which one had "patted him down" and searched his billfold.
1948 New
York Amsterdam News 10 July 25/3 The $10 was taken from him when he was "patted down" by the police on the original arrest, he said.1949 Baltimore Afro-American 10 Dec. 4/4 If you drive a new car, especially one of the higher-priced models, you're fair game for Philly police who pat you down like a common criminal even before...
-
papera material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grassesIn these
papers, getting "patted down" is frequently mentioned in reports of police searches and detentions, with African Americans bearing the brunt of the activity. -
onesmallest whole number or a numeral representing this numberHe said he was facing the wall with his back to the officers and that he didn't know which
one had "patted him down" and searched his billfold.1948 New York Amsterdam News 10 July 25/3 The $10 was taken from him when he was "patted down" by the police on the original arrest, he said.
1949 Baltimore Afro-American 10 Dec. 4/4 If you drive a new car, especially one of the higher-priced models, you're fair game for Philly police who pat you down like a common criminal even before...
-
wallan architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structureHe said he was facing the
wall with his back to the officers and that he didn't know which one had "patted him down" and searched his billfold.1948 New York Amsterdam News 10 July 25/3 The $10 was taken from him when he was "patted down" by the police on the original arrest, he said.
1949 Baltimore Afro-American 10 Dec. 4/4 If you drive a new car, especially one of the higher-priced models, you're fair game for Philly police who pat you down like a common criminal even before...
-
commonhaving no special distinction or qualityHe said he was facing the wall with his back to the officers and that he didn't know which one had "patted him down" and searched his billfold.
1948 New York Amsterdam News 10 July 25/3 The $10 was taken from him when he was "patted down" by the police on the original arrest, he said.
1949 Baltimore Afro-American 10 Dec. 4/4 If you drive a new car, especially one of the higher-priced models, you're fair game for Philly police who pat you down like a
common criminal even before... -
pastearlier than the present time; no longer currentThe "enhanced" pat-downs of the TSA have been the source of much ridicule over the
past couple of weeks. -
reportto give an account or representation of in wordsIn these papers, getting "patted down" is frequently mentioned in
reports of police searches and detentions, with African Americans bearing the brunt of the activity. -
manyamounting to a large but indefinite numberThe stop and frisk is now an accepted police procedure in
many states. -
driveoperate or control a vehicleHe said he was facing the wall with his back to the officers and that he didn't know which one had "patted him down" and searched his billfold.
1948 New York Amsterdam News 10 July 25/3 The $10 was taken from him when he was "patted down" by the police on the original arrest, he said.
1949 Baltimore Afro-American 10 Dec. 4/4 If you
drive a new car, especially one of the higher-priced models, you're fair game for Philly police who pat you down like a common criminal even before... -
accounta record or narrative description of past eventsOne such fake slogan, from the fake Twitter
account TSAgov, is: "It's not a grope. -
officeplace of business where professional duties are performedHere are five examples from the 1940s:
1943 Atlanta Daily World 17 Mar. 6/2 Officer Nash said he patted Wilson down, searching for a weapon and found a big 45-calibre pistol.
1948 Baltimore Afro-American 20 Mar. 2/6 "Then they patted us down to see if we were armed," Miss Mack stated.
1948 Atlanta Daily World 2 July 5/2 Blaine stated that he raised his hands while
office Bryant "patted him down." -
oldhaving lived for a long time or attained a specific ageWhile the TSA faces backlash against these so-called "enhanced pat-downs" (an unfortunate term reminiscent of "enhanced interrogation techniques" at Guantanamo), plain-
old pat-downs have been part of the lexicon of law enforcement for decades.