"tamed animal," originally in Scottish and northern England dialect (and exclusively so until mid-18c.), of unknown origin. Sense of "indulged child" (c. 1500) is recorded slightly earlier than that of "animal kept as a favorite" (1530s), but the latter may be the primary meaning. Probably associated with or influenced by petty. As a term of endearment by 1849. Teacher's pet is attested from 1890. Pet-shop from 1928.
Know nature's children all divide her care;
The fur that warms a monarch warm'd a bear.
While man exclaims, 'See all things for my use!'
'See man for mine!' replies a pamper'd goose:
[Alexander Pope, "Essay on Man"]
pet (n.2)
"peevishness, offense at feeling slighted," 1580s, in phrase take the pet "take offense." Perhaps from pet (n.1) on a similar notion to that in American English that gets my goat, but the underlying notion is obscure, and the form of the original expression makes this doubtful. This word seems to have been originally a southern English term, while pet (n.1) was northern and Scottish.
pet (v.)
1620s, "treat as a pet," from pet (n.1). Sense of "to stroke" is first found 1818. Slang sense of "kiss and caress" is from 1920 (implied in petting). Related: Petted.
实用例句
1. They would sell the meat off as pet food.
他们将把肉当作宠物食品卖掉。
来自柯林斯例句
2. Make sure your pet won't pine while you're away.
要确保不在家时宠物不会想你。
来自柯林斯例句
3. For a child the death of a pet can be traumatic.
对孩子来说，一只宠物的死亡可能会造成心理创伤。
来自柯林斯例句
4. I sell my surplus birds to a local pet shop.
我把多余的鸟卖给当地的宠物商店。
来自柯林斯例句
5. This lady was genuinely surprised at what happened to her pet.
