| Tattoo | n. [ Earlier taptoo, D. taptoe; tap a tap, faucet + toe to, shut (i. e., the taps, or drinking houses, shut from the soldiers). ] (Mil.) A beat of drum, or sound of a trumpet or bugle, at night, giving notice to soldiers to retreat, or to repair to their quarters in garrison, or to their tents in camp. [ 1913 Webster ]
The Devil's tattoo. See under Devil. [ 1913 Webster ]
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| Tattoo | v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Tattooed p. pr. & vb. n. Tattooing. ] [ Of Polynesian origin; cf. New Zealand ta to tattoo, tatu puncturation (in Otaheite). ] To color, as the flesh, by pricking in coloring matter, so as to form marks or figures which can not be washed out. [ 1913 Webster ] |
| Tattoo | n.; pl. Tattoos An indelible mark or figure made by puncturing the skin and introducing some pigment into the punctures; -- a mode of ornamentation practiced by various barbarous races, both in ancient and modern times, and also by some among civilized nations, especially by sailors. [ 1913 Webster ] |
