Pet (?), n. [Formerly peat, perhaps from Ir. peat, akin to Gael. peata.] 1. A cade lamb; a lamb brought up by hand.
2. Any person or animal especially cherished and indulged; a fondling; a darling; often, a favorite child.
The love of cronies, pets, and favorites. Tatler.
3. [Prob. fr. Pet a fondling, hence, the behavior or humor of a spoiled child.] A slight fit of peevishness or fretfulness. “In a pet she started up.” Tennyson.