Which word is older, the noun “pet,” as in “companion animal”; or the verb “to pet,” meaning “to gently stroke”?
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition says:
Looks like the noum form came first.
According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the noun is first found in writing from 1539 while the verb is from 1629.
The OED also notes that the related use of “pet” to mean “an indulged (and, usually, spoiled) child” dates back to 1508.
I have never petted my pet pirahnas. Never. Does that make me a bad pet owner? :wally