Pet, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Petted; p. pr. & vb. n. Petting.]
To treat as a pet; to fondle; to indulge; as, she was petted and spoiled.
3 other Webster entries under this spelling
Pet, n.
1. A cade lamb; a lamb brought up by hand.
2. Any person or animal especially cherished and indulged; a fondling; a darling; often, a favorite child. The love of cronies, pets, and favorites. Tatler.
3. Etym: [Prob. fr. Pet a fondling, hence, the behavior or humor of a spoiled child.]
A slight fit of peevishness or fretfulness. "In a pet she started up." Tennyson.
Pet, a.
Petted; indulged; admired; cherished; as, a pet child; a pet lamb; a pet theory. Some young lady's pet curate. F. Harrison. Pet cock. Etym: [Perh. for petty cock.] (Mach.) A little faucet in a water pipe or pump, to let air out, or at the end of a steam cylinder, to drain it.
Pet, v. i.
To be a pet. Feltham.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for pet; he lists it under caress.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.