back-patn.
/ˈbakpat/, U.S. /ˈbækˌpæt/ A pat on the back (either literal or figurative), given as a gesture or expression of approval or congratulation.Cf. a pat on the back at pat n.1 2b, backslap n. 2.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > [noun] > expression of approval
suffrage1566
vote1608
seal of approval1833
accolade1852
back-pat1894
nod1924
nice one1970
like2009
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > commendation or praise > [noun] > an instance, act, or expression of
commendation1535
good words1535
suffrage1566
commend1606
exalt1607
commendatory1641
exaltation1650
back-pat1894
cheerleading1902
rave1926
rap1939
bouquet1955
1894 G. A. MacDonnell Knights & Kings of Chess i. 59 He was greatly encouraged to exert himself to the utmost by the back-pats and promises of pecuniary reward.
1978 Washington Post 26 Sept. a1/5 Cabinet meetings are forums for members' reports, backpats—and lots of discussion of what the press and television are saying about them.
2004 D. T. Dignan Boys' Club (e-book, accessed 19 Mar. 2018) ix. 105 He found his way to his office amidst handshakes and back-pats and occasional shouts..of, ‘Hey, old man, glad you're back.’
This is a new entry (OED Third Edition, September 2019; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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n.1894