Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Tattoo?

\Tat*too"\, 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. {The Devil's tattoo}. See under {Devil}.
\Tat*too"\, 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.
\Tat*too"\, 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.