I. tärˈpȯlə̇n, tȧˈp-, ˈ ̷ ̷_pələ̇n, chiefly in substand speech ̷ ̷ˈpōlyən or -ōlēən noun
( -s )
Etymology: earlier tarpauling, tarpawling, probably from tar (I) + -pauling, -pawling covering, from paule, pawl, pall cloth, covering, from Middle English pall — more at pall
1. : a piece or sheet of waterproofed canvas or other waterproof material used for covering or protecting goods, vehicles, athletic fields, or other exposed objects
2. : sailor
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to cover with a tarpaulin
the tarpaulined shelter which housed the car and the truck — Jon Godden