How Do You Spell PATTEN?

Pronunciation: [pˈatən] (IPA)

The word "patten" has an unusual spelling that is not immediately clear when pronounced aloud. The IPA phonetic transcription for "patten" would be /ˈpætən/. This spelling reflects the sound of the "t" in the word, which is pronounced like a "t" followed by a "n", creating a nasal sound. The root of the word comes from the Old French "pate," meaning "paw," which refers to the shape of the wooden sole that was attached to shoes to elevate them above mud and water.

PATTEN Meaning and Definition

1. Patten is a noun that refers to a type of footwear or a protective covering worn over shoes, especially by women in the past. It typically consists of a wooden or metal sole with raised pieces or metal studs on the bottom, designed to elevate the shoe and protect it from mud and other dirty or uneven surfaces. The term can also be used to describe a similar protective device for hooves on horses.

   Pattens were popular during the medieval and Renaissance periods, as they provided additional height and protection to the wearer. They were often made of wood or metal and attached to the bottom of a shoe using straps or buckles. This allowed the wearer to walk more easily over wet or dirty ground, keeping their shoes clean and dry.

   In addition to their practical purposes, pattens were also seen as fashionable accessories. They were often decorated or adorned with intricate designs, making them visually appealing. Pattens were widely worn by women of various social classes, from peasants to aristocrats.

   Over time, pattens fell out of fashion as street conditions improved and different styles of footwear emerged. However, they still hold historical significance and can be seen in museums or depicted in period dramas. Today, the term "patten" is primarily used in a historical context to describe this specific type of footwear or protective covering.

2. A support placed under one shoe to equalize the length of the two legs, when one is shorter than the other, or when one is artificially lengthened by a brace or splint, as in the treatment of hip disease.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. A wooden sole or sandal, with an iron ring beneath, worn by women under their shoes to protect the feet from wet; the base of a column or pillar.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PATTEN

• 0atten
• pztten
• pstten
• pwtten
• pqtten
• paften
• pagten
• pa6ten
• pa5ten
• patfen
• patgen
• patyen
• pat6en
• pat5en
• pattwn
• pattsn
• pattdn
• patt4n
• patt3n

Etymology of PATTEN

The word "patten" is derived from the Middle English word "patin" or "paten", which came from Old French "patin" meaning "clog" or "wooden sole". This Old French term was further derived from the Latin word "patinus", which meant "shallow dish" or "plate". The shift in meaning from "plate" to "wooden sole" likely occurred because early forms of pattens consisted of wooden soles with metal plates attached to them to protect the shoe from wear and tear. Over time, the term "patten" came to specifically refer to a type of protective footwear worn over normal shoes.

Similar spelling words for PATTEN

• paton,
• Padin,
• patwin,
• patino,
• pathan,
• Patton,
• Paden,
• payden,
• patina,
• Payton,
• Patin,
• padden.

Plural form of PATTEN is PATTENS