~ 1
■ noun ( plural ~s )
1》 an evening drum or bugle signal recalling soldiers to their quarters.
2》 Brit. a military display consisting of music, marching, and exercises.
3》 a rhythmic tapping or drumming.
Origin
C17 (orig. as tap-too ) from Du. taptoe! , lit. 'close the tap (of the cask)!'
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~ 2
■ verb ( ~s , ~ing , ~ed ) mark with an indelible design by inserting pigment into punctures in the skin.
■ noun ( plural ~s ) a design made in such a way.
Derivatives
~er noun
~ist noun
Origin
C18: from Tahitian, Tongan, and Samoan ta-tau or Marquesan ta-tu .