1. 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.
Phrases and idioms:
keep tabs (or a tab) on colloq.
1. keep account of.
2 have under observation or in check.
Etymology: prob. f. dial.: cf. TAG(1) 2. n.1 TABULATOR 2.
2 TABULATOR 3.
Etymology: abbr.