‖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 ]

n. [ Sp. aceituna zapatera. ] (Olive trade) A cured olive which has spoiled or is on the verge of decomposition; loosely, an olive defective because of bruises, wormholes, or the like. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]