n.
- a piece of material used to cover a torn or weak point.
▸a shield worn over a sightless or injured eye.
▸a piece of cloth sewn on to clothing as a badge.
▸an adhesive piece of drug-impregnated material worn on the skin so that the drug may be gradually absorbed.
▸historical a small black silk disc worn on the face, especially by women in the 17th and 18th centuries.
- a small area differently coloured or otherwise distinct.
- a small piece of ground, especially one used for gardening.
▸Brit. informal an area for which someone is responsible or in which they operate.
- Brit. informal a period of time regarded as distinct:
a bad patch.
- a temporary electrical or telephone connection.
▸a preset configuration or sound data file in an electronic musical instrument.
- Computing a small piece of code inserted to correct or enhance a program.
v.
- mend, strengthen, or protect by means of a patch.
▸
(usu. be patched with)
cause to become variegated.
-
(patch someone/thing up)
informal treat someone's injuries or repair the damage to something, especially hastily.
▸
(patch something together)
construct something hastily from unsuitable components.
▸
(patch something up)
restore peaceful or friendly relations after a quarrel or dispute.
- connect by a temporary electrical, radio, or telephonic connection.
- Computing improve or correct (a routine or program) by inserting a patch.
Phrase
- not a patch on
Brit. informal greatly inferior to.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: perh. from a var. of OFr. pieche, dial. var. of piece ‘piece’.