cat2 (kat)

An abbreviated form of catama ran. [Newfoundland.] cat-. The form of cat a- before a vowel. cat a-. [L., etc., cat a-, vowel kar-, before an aspirate καθ- ), prefix, κατά, downward, through, on, against, prep., down, down concerning, according to, etc.] A prefix of words of Greek origin, meaning down, downward, against, in accordance with, sometimes merely intensive, and sometimes (like English be -1) giving a transitive force. See words fol lowing. Also sometimes kata-.