Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PET, n.² [formerly peat; Qu. W. pêth, a little; pêthan, a babe or little thing; D. bout, a duck or dear; Ir. baidh, love; L. peto, or Gr. ποθος, ποθεω. In Pers. بَتْ bat, is an idol, a dear friend, a mistress. In Russ. pitayu signifies to feed, nourish or bring up. The real origin of the word is doubtful.]

1. A cade lamb; a lamb brought up by hand.
2. A fondling; any little animal fondled and indulged.