Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PATCH, n. [It. pezza, a piece, Fr. pièce, Arm. pez, Sp. pieza. Qu.]

1. A piece of cloth sewed on a garment to repair it. Dryden.
2. A small piece of any thing used to repair a breach.
3. A small piece of silk used to cover a defect on the face, or to add a charm.
4. A piece inserted in mosaic or variegated work. – Locke.
5. A small piece of ground, or a small detached piece. – Shak.
6. A paltry fellow. This use is sometimes heard in vulgar language; as, a cross-patch.