PAT'ENT, a. [L. patens, from pateo, to open.] 1. In botany, spreading; forming an acute angle with the stem or branch; as a patent leaf. [See Letter.]2. Open to the perusal of all; as letters patent. [See Letter.]3. Appropriated by letters patent. Madder--in the time of Charles the first, was made a patent commodity.4. Apparent; conspicuous.PAT'ENT, n. A writing given by the proper authority and duly authenticated, granting a privilege to some person or persons. By patent, or letters patent, that is, open letters, the king of Great Britain grants lands, honors and franchises. PAT'ENT, v.t. To grant by patent. 1. To secure the exclusive right of a thing to a person; as, to patent an invention or an original work to the author.
|
