[ta.per] n [ME, fr. OE tapor candle, wick, perh. modif. of L papyrus papyrus] (bef. 12c) 1 a: a slender candle b: a long waxed wick used esp. for lighting candles, lamps, pipes, or fires c: a feeble light
2. a: a tapering form or figure b: gradual diminution of thickness, diameter, or width in an elongated object c: a gradual decrease
[2]taper adj (15c) 1: progressively narrowed toward one end
2: furnished with or adjusted to a scale: graduated "~ freight rates" [3]taper vb ta.pered ; ta.per.ing vi (1610) 1: to become progressively smaller toward one end
2: to diminish gradually ~ vt: to cause to taper [4]tap.er n [[1]tape] (ca. 1920): one that applies or dispenses tape