Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Paten
Pat′en
,Noun.
[LL.
patina
, patena
, fr. L. patina
, patena
, a pan; cf. L. patere
to be open, E. patent
, and Gr. πατάνη
a kind of flat dish: cf. F. patène
. Cf. Patina
.] 1.
A plate.
[Obs.]
2.
(Eccl.)
The place on which the consecrated bread is placed in the Eucharist, or on which the host is placed during the Mass. It is usually small, and formed as to fit the chalice, or cup, as a cover.
[Written also
patin
, patine
.]