Pattern

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 pronounced and spelled in England as "pattern" in the 16th century.