Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PAT'TERN, n. [Fr. patron; Arm. patroum; D. patroon. See Patron.]

1. An original or model proposed for imitation; the archetype; an exemplar; that which is to be copied or imitated, either in things or in actions; as the pattern of a machine; a pattern of patience. Christ was the most perfect pattern of rectitude, patience and submission ever exhibited on earth.
2. A specimen; a sample; a part showing the figure or quality of the whole; as, a pattern of silk or cloth.
3. An instance; an example. – Hooker.
4. Any thing cut or formed into the shape of something to be made after it.