PATTERN  , a

model, that which serves as an original from which similar objects may be made, or as an example or specimen; in particular an artistic design serving as a sample or model, hence the arrangement or grouping of lines, figures, &c., which make up such a design . The word was taken from Fr. patron, Lat. patronus, a defender or protector . In medieval Latin patronus had the specific meaning of example, and in modern French both meanings of patron and pattern .attach to patron . " Patron " in the sense of copy, example, began to be pro- nounced and spelled in England as " pattern " in the 16th century .