I. ta-ˈtü noun
( plural tattoos )
Etymology: alteration of earlier taptoo, from Dutch taptoe, from the phrase tap toe! taps shut!
Date: circa 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
II. verb
Date: 1780
transitive verb
: to beat or rap rhythmically on : drum on
intransitive verb
: to give a series of rhythmic taps
III. transitive verb
Etymology: Tahitian tatau, noun, tattoo
Date: 1769
1. : to mark or color (the skin) with tattoos
2. : to mark the skin with (a tattoo)
tattoo ed a flag on his chest
• tat·too·er noun
• tat·too·ist -ˈtü-ist noun
IV. noun
( plural tattoos )
Date: 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