I. ˈtapə(r) noun
( -s )
Etymology: tap (IV) + -er
: one that makes a sound of tapping or that performs an operation by lightly striking: as
a. : a telegraph key ; specifically : a double-contact key that makes one contact and breaks another by one movement
b. : a tapping device (as a bell) for sound signaling
c. : a worker who taps holes in watch parts with a hand press or powered machine
d. : tap dancer
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: tap (II) + -er
: one that applies or makes taps or draws by tapping:
a. : a worker who taps by hand or machine especially to make or open holes
b. : one that taps a blast furnace, cask, storage bin, or other container to let the contents out
c. : one that taps trees to remove or draw sap
rubber tapper
d. : a machine for tapping nuts
e. : a worker who makes screw threads (as in nuts, pipes, or machine parts)
f. : a worker who makes uniform the width of ring shanks by compressing the soldered joints between dies