/teuh poht"ment/ , n.
the use of various light, quick chopping, slapping, or beating strokes on the body during massage.
[ 1885-90; tapot ( er ) to tap, drum on, with the fingers or edge of the hand ( tap ( er ) to tap, strike (expressive v. akin to TAP 1 ) + -oter freq. or attenuating suffix) + -ment -MENT ]