Definition of pattern

• n. - Anything proposed for imitation; an archetype; an exemplar; that which is to be, or is worthy to be, copied or imitated; as, a pattern of a machine.
• n. - A part showing the figure or quality of the whole; a specimen; a sample; an example; an instance.
• n. - Stuff sufficient for a garment; as, a dress pattern.
• n. - Figure or style of decoration; design; as, wall paper of a beautiful pattern.
• n. - Something made after a model; a copy.
• n. - Anything cut or formed to serve as a guide to cutting or forming objects; as, a dressmaker's pattern.
• n. - A full-sized model around which a mold of sand is made, to receive the melted metal. It is usually made of wood and in several parts, so as to be removed from the mold without injuring it.
• v. t. - To make or design (anything) by, from, or after, something that serves as a pattern; to copy; to model; to imitate.
• v. t. - To serve as an example for; also, to parallel.