adv. [ An onomatopoetic reduplication of pat a light, quick blow. ] In a flutter; with palpitation or quick succession of beats. Lowell. “The fox's heart went pitapat.” L'Estrange. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. A light, repeated sound; a pattering, as of the rain. “The pitapat of a pretty foot.” Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]