early 15c., "rapid repetition of words," from a rhyming reduplication of patter (v.2). As "alternating light beating sounds," 1670s, from patter (v.1). As a verb in this sense by 1708. Compare pit-a-pat.
she missed the pitter-patter of little feet around the house
piton
pits
pit-saw
pittance
pitter
pitter-patter
Pittsburgh
pituitary
pit-viper
pity
Pius
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