[tat.too] n, pl tattoos [alter. of earlier taptoo, fr. D taptoe, fr. the phrase tap toe] taps shut]] (ca. 1627) 1: a rapid rhythmic rapping
2. a: a call sounded shortly before taps as notice to go to quarters b: outdoor military exercise given by troops as evening entertainment
[2]tattoo vt (1780): to beat or rap rhythmically on: drum on ~ vi: to give a series of rhythmic taps [3]tattoo vt [Tahitian tatau, n., tattoo] (1769) 1: to mark or color (the skin) with tattoos
2: to mark the skin with (a tattoo) "~ed a flag on his chest" -- tat.too.er n -- tat.too.ist n [4]tattoo n, pl tattoos (1777) 1: the act of tattooing: the fact of being tattooed
2: an indelible mark or figure fixed upon the body by insertion of pigment under the skin or by production of scars