TAP

I. noun Etymology: Middle English ~pe, from Old English tæppa; akin to Old High German zapho ~ Date: before 12th century 1. a plug for a hole (as in a cask) ; spigot , a device consisting of a spout and valve attached to the end of a pipe to control the flow of a fluid ; faucet , 2. a liquor drawn through a ~, the procedure of removing fluid (as from a body cavity), a tool for forming an internal screw thread, an intermediate point in an electric circuit where a connection may be made, wire~ , II. transitive verb (~ped; ~ping) Date: 15th century to let out or cause to flow by piercing or by drawing a plug from the containing vessel , 2. to pierce so as to let out or draw off a fluid , to draw out, from, or upon , to cut in on (as a telephone or radio signal) to get information, to form an internal screw thread in by means of a ~, to get money from as a loan or gift, to connect (a street gas or water main) with a local supply, ~per noun III. verb (~ped; ~ping) Etymology: Middle English ~pen, from Old French ~er to strike with the flat of the hand, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle High German tāpe paw, blow dealt with the paw Date: 13th century transitive verb to strike lightly especially with a slight sound, to give a light blow with , to bring about by repeated light blows , to repair by putting a ~ on, select , designate , intransitive verb to strike a light audible blow ; rap , to walk with light audible steps, ~-dance, ~per noun IV. noun Date: 14th century 1. a light usually audible blow, one of several usually rapid drumbeats on a snare drum, half sole , a small metal plate for the sole or heel of a shoe, ~ dance 1, flap 7