An obsolete term for a laying open. ... Origin: L. Pate-facio, pp. -factus, to make lie open, fr. Pateo, to lie open ... (05 Mar 2000) ... Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/20973
Pat`e·fac'tion noun [ Latin patefactio , from patefacere to open; patere to lie open + facere to make.] The act of opening, disclosing, or manifesting; open declaration. Jer. Taylor. Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/webster/P/31