Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Paten \Pat"en\, n. [LL. patina, patena, fr. L. patina, patena, a
   pan; cf. L. patere to be open, E. patent, and Gr. ? a kind of
   flat dish: cf. F. pat[`e]ne. Cf. {Patina}.]
   1. A plate. [Obs.]

   2. (Eccl.) The place on which the consecrated bread is placed
      in the Eucharist, or on which the host is placed during
      the Mass. It is usually small, and formed as to fit the
      chalice, or cup, as a cover. [Written also {patin},
      {patine}.]