what mean about:grinned a big grin"

[david_redstar]

Hi, is there any one can help me about what mean about"grinned a big grin" there are 2 grin.
the whole sentence is " the clown grinned a big grin, she gave the pup a happy pat"
thanks much!

 

[mara_ce]

The first grin is the verb in the past: to smile widely.
grin-grinned

The second grin is the noun: a wide smile
LDOCE Online

Meaning: ´He smiled a wide smile´.

 

[david_redstar]

Hi, thanks much!David