n. & v.
n. 1 a a small flap or strip of material attached for grasping, fastening, or hanging up, or for identification. b a similar object as part of a garment etc. 2 US colloq. a bill or price (picked up the tab). 3 Brit. Mil. a marking on the collar distinguishing a staff officer. 4 a a stage-curtain. b a loop for suspending this.
v.tr. (tabbed, tabbing) provide with a tab or tabs. keep tabs (or a tab) on colloq. 1 keep account of. 2 have under observation or in check.
[ prob. f. dial.: cf. TAG(1) ]